Oppose Mbadi, Joho, and Wandayi for ODM's involvement in the government, urges MP Hamisi to Raila
In a recent development, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Hamisi has urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to clarify the party's stance on its involvement in the Kenyan government. Hamisi's call comes amidst ongoing debate over Odinga's alleged support for President William Ruto's broad-based government or his straddling of both sides.
Hamisi believes that ODM has let down its supporters by aligning with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration. He finds it disheartening to see Odinga working with Deputy President Ruto, as he is widely recognized for standing up for democratic values. Hamisi insists that the deal between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM has only caused harm to the ODM party.
According to Hamisi, there is nothing tangible to show for Odinga's government involvement. He argues that if ODM were in power, they would run the government in a way that is not right. Hamisi's concerns are further fuelled by the fact that ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna recently criticized Ruto's government, raising questions over whether he was speaking as Nairobi Senator or as the Party's official voice.
Despite the ongoing debate, ODM leader Raila Odinga has been supportive of his party members' involvement in cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza government. Following an ODM Central Committee meeting chaired by Odinga, the party unanimously affirmed backing him to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto to promote national stability and implement the broad-based government agenda.
A 10-member technical committee is to be formed within ODM to collaborate with UDA counterparts for overseeing the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed previously. This indicates the ODM leadership, including John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya, aligning behind Odinga's approach of cooperation rather than opposition to the government.
However, Hamisi urges Odinga to sever ties with the four leaders and focus on rebuilding ODM. He warns that failure to clarify the party's stance risks the collapse of the ODM party. Hamisi emphasizes that if ODM decides to be in government, he will not seek re-election on that party.
The future of ODM's involvement in the Kenyan government remains uncertain, with Hamisi's call for clarity adding to the ongoing debate. Only time will tell if Odinga will heed the MP's advice and make a clear decision about ODM's role in the government.
[1] Standard Digital, "ODM Central Committee affirms support for Raila to work with Ruto's government", 12 September 2022, https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001408839/odm-central-committee-affirms-support-for-raila-to-work-with-rutos-government
[2] Nation, "ODM to form technical committee to work with UDA on MOU implementation", 13 September 2022, https://www.nation.co.ke/news/politics/ODM-to-form-technical-committee-to-work-with-UDA-on-MOU-implementation/1066-7176904-15jvxqz/index.html
The ongoing debate about ODM's involvement in the Kenyan government has led Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Hamisi to call for clarity on Odinga's stance, as his collaboration with President William Ruto's administration raises concerns about the party's political alignment. Despite ODM's affirmation to work with Ruto to promote national stability, Hamisi insists that ODM's deal with UDA has been detrimental to the ODM party and urges Odinga to refocus on rebuilding the party to avoid its potential collapse.
