ODM’s Political Tightrope: Straddling the Fence Between Opposition and Government

Raila Odinga’s ODM party is expected to lead the opposition Azimio la Umoja coalition but its critics believe its recent close ties with President William Ruto’s UDA party have undermined its credibility.

President Ruto’s recent tour of Nyanza and the subsequent appointment of four prominent ODM leaders to his Cabinet have intensified discussions about a potential coalition. These appointments, which include Ali Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Wycliffe Oparanya in Cooperatives Development, have been met with scepticism from critics. Despite the resignation of these leaders from their ODM positions to take on Cabinet roles, the implications for the party’s opposition status remain significant. The situation has been seized upon by key opposition figures, notably Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has voiced his interest in assuming the role of opposition leader.

This sentiment is shared by other prominent leaders including Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya (DAP-K) and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni who have called for a restructuring of the coalition’s leadership dynamics. Notwithstanding the mounting pressure, ODM has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to its role as an opposition party. Gladys Wanga, the party’s national chairperson, has emphasized that the departure of some ODM members to join Ruto’s Cabinet will not diminish the party’s mandate to hold the government accountable. Wanga highlights that the Constitution entrusts all members of the legislature with the duty to oversee the executive, not solely the opposition.

While some ODM supporters endorse the coalition with Ruto’s government, many feel betrayed by former ODM leaders aligning with the ruling party. These supporters fear that such alliances could weaken the momentum for change they believe in. ODM leaders have pledged to continue advocating for the voiceless, particularly in seeking justice for protest victims, a commitment Wanga insists remains central to their agenda. The prospect of a coalition led by Kalonzo Musyoka continues to gain traction as internal discord within Azimio persists. The divide between those willing to ally with Ruto for political leverage and those steadfastly opposing the government’s policies reflects deep fissures within the opposition landscape.

Furthermore, ODM’s involvement in the government has sparked concerns about its ability to effectively challenge Ruto’s administration. Critics argue that serving under the ruling party may compromise ODM’s credibility to voice dissent and engage in oversight. However, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended the current political structure, asserting that the essence of oversight roles will remain intact despite the shift in personnel. President Ruto has framed his broad-based government strategy as a means to foster unity and accelerate Kenya’s development, a perspective that complicates the narrative for the opposition.

While his call for national cohesion resonates with some constituents eager for political stability, the apprehensions expressed by ODM and its critics highlight the delicate balance of power in a landscape marked by historical political rivalries. The situation is further complicated by Raila Odinga’s declared intention to focus on his candidacy for the African Union Commission chairperson. His commitment to step back from Kenyan politics during this critical juncture has prompted calls from coalition allies to reassess leadership roles and strategies moving forward.