ODM has denied allegations the party is engaging the President William Ruto administration on coalition or political arrangements.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, ODM clarified that the general public had misinterpreted the party’s position on the ongoing crisis in the country and specifically on the proposed national dialogue to resolve the same.
The party maintained its unwavering position in support of the ongoing struggle to address the longstanding governance issues as very ably pointed out by Gen Z.
The Raila Odinga-led party noted that it recognizes the urgent need for transformative change in the country, adding that as a major political player, ODM cannot be mere bystanders in such a defining moment for Kenya’s future.
“We have been categorical that the way forward is through an honest, all-inclusive National Conversation. This position was firmly stated by our Party Leader, His Excellency Raila Odinga, on July 9, 2024, following the presidential assent to the IEBC Bill at KICC,” the statement read in part.
The party reiterated that the government must compensate the families of the victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year, and release all persons in custody and terminate all cases related to protests since last year.
ODM also demanded that the Ruto regime prosecute policemen involved in the death and harassment of protestors and also sack Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei.
The party reiterated that allegations that it has prevaricated or flip-flopped on the matter are totally false.
“A narrative has been woven that ODM is desperate to join the government when all along we have been clear that what we seek is a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of the conditions above,” the party stated.
ODM also noted that some of its members have misinterpreted the party’s stance as a license to engage the Kenya Kwanza leadership and canvass for ministerial and other positions in the Ruto government.
“As a Party, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement,” the party reiterated.
“Any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the Party,” the party cautioned.
The ODM Party reiterated its commitment to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya.
“We will continue to stand with the people and fight for the justice and reforms our nation desperately needs”.
