President William Ruto’s proposed broad-based government, backed by opposition chief Raila Odinga, is beginning to reshape the landscape of Kenyan politics.
This new coalition seems poised to mitigate the longstanding political animosity that Ruto has faced in various regions, particularly in Raila’s stronghold.
The alliance has garnered support from members of the opposition, presenting a rare opportunity for Ruto to endear himself to Raila’s base.
Notably, Alejo Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who campaigned under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed a significant shift in sentiment towards Ruto, acknowledging that the president’s past opposition was largely due to his failure to include other stakeholders in his government.
“Ruto was bad because he did not include our people in his government. That is the reason we kept opposing him strongly,” stated Atandi during a roadside rally.
He went on to commend Ruto for appointing members from Raila’s constituency to key positions within the National Executive, signifying a willingness to bridge the political divide.
“Can you oppose a government where Opiyo Wandayi is in charge? Isn’t that impossible? That is why, at the moment, we are supporting Ruto.”
This sentiment is echoed by the recent cabinet appointments that reflect Raila’s influence, as five of his allies from the ODM secured significant portfolios in Ruto’s government.
Notable appointments include Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya as the Cabinet Secretaries for Mining and Cooperatives, respectively, while former ODM national chairman John Mbadi was placed in charge of the National Treasury.
Opiyo Wandayi, recognized as the National Assembly Minority Leader and ODM’s secretary of political affairs, was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, complemented by Beatrice Askul, who took over the East African Community docket.
Raila Odinga has maintained his stance of remaining outside the government, stating that he does not intend to formally join the administration.
However, this move has not come without its fallout. The decision to form this new alliance has created a deep divide among members of the Azimio coalition, with many feeling betrayed.
Martha Karua’s NARC Kenya party has already broken ranks with Azimio, signaling discontent among its ranks. In the footsteps of this internal strife, rumors are swirling that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is preparing to call for a meeting to chart a way forward in light of this new political reality.
Despite the surge of optimism that accompanies Ruto and Raila’s collaboration, Raila has maintained his stance of remaining outside the government, citing his intention to retain independence while still influencing positive change through supportive alliances.
