Leaders accuse Raila of betrayal as ODM crosses into government

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

The announcement was as expected as the reactions. Since he hinted the formation of a coalition government, christening it "a broad-based government", President William Ruto made it clear he was welcoming Raila Odinga's opposition to dine with him.

On Wednesday, four members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) got the invitation to the Kenya Kwanza feast, earning plum Cabinet slots.

Ruto nominated ODM Chairperson John Mbadi as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, with National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi bagging the Energy and Petroleum docket. Raila's two deputies, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, too, earned a seat at the coveted table as nominees for Mining and Cooperatives, respectively.

In the past few days, the opposition Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya has squabbled over joining Ruto's government as other affiliates opposed a partnership with Ruto. The fights have been equally scathing within ODM which has been divided about joining Kenya Kwanza to help stem widespread discontent over the government's running of affairs.

The President's announcement, which also included the recycling of former CSs, was met with fury by Kenyans on social media, who questioned his commitment to overhauling the broken system that disenfranchises most.

Among those recycled are Kipchumba Murkomen (Youth Affairs and Sports), Alfred Mutua (Labour), Justin Muturi (Public Service), Salim Mvurya (Trade) and Rebecca Miano (Tourism). 

During an X Space dubbed 'Ruto is a joker', many poured their frustrations at the Cabinet appointments, proposing heightened protests. Some suggested fielding a "candidate of the movement" in the Ugunja parliamentary seat, which could fall vacant if Wandayi gets the nod from the National Assembly to join Ruto's Cabinet.

The general feeling was of betrayal by the opposition, which has blown hot and cold about whether they would join Ruto's government.

"Raila you are no longer Raila Odinga BABA. The GENZEE-MILLENNIAL MOVEMENT is now the OFFICIAL OPPOSITION. Now you are in your fourth -Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru & Ruto - handchequeshake. Always hid in plain sight. May the blood and tears of the young haunt you all your life," said former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.

Activist Boniface Mwangi wrote: "Raila Odinga are you saying these young men were murdered so that you, and your friends could get jobs? They died for a better Kenya, that's free of bad leadership, corruption, tribalism and hand cheque politics. This is level of betrayal is unforgivable. We shall not forget."

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah termed the opposition's cross-over into the government a violation of the Constitution, saying it was against multi-partism.

"The president has decided that he will govern this country without the Constitution which he swore to uphold, defend and promote," said Omtatah, who also argued that nominating MPs to Cabinet would incur unnecessary costs for the taxpayer owing to by-elections.

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita welcomed the appointments but insisted the pending ones must reflect the face of Kenya.

"The president continues to put the country first, building a team with the face of Kenya. We continue to urge him to include all regions. My personal stand has always been that we must not only criticise the government but help it succeed," said Nyamita.

On his social media handles, Wandayi said it would be an honour to serve in his prospective position.

"Thank you, President William Ruto for nominating me to the position of CS, Energy and Petroleum. It will be a great honor and privilege to serve my country in this new capacity if I secure the approval of the National Assembly. My gratitude to Baba Raila Odinga for his enduring mentorship and tutelage," said the Ugunja lawmaker.

Murkomen apologised to Kenyans he may have wronged saying " The last two weeks have been moments of deep reflection. I would like to unreservedly apologise to every Kenyan who I may have offended through my words, my deeds and my conduct, including my lifestyle, in the last two years of my public service."

He thanked Ruto for nominating him adding "Honoured and grateful to have been nominated by H.E. the President William Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. Subject to my approval by Parliament, I pledge to serve the people of Kenya diligently, with great humility and unwavering accountability."

A section of rebel ODM lawmakers also welcomed the move, recounting encountering hardship for engaging with Ruto.

"We have gone through all manner of circles in the name of the party saying we did not have a legal position to engage with the government. We went through that and did not mind and still don't to date. We are not even sorry we've been working with the government since last year. Today, we are extremely happy that the ODM party has formally accepted to be part of this Cabinet," said Bondo Member of Parliament Gideon Ochanda.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi said focus must shift to addressing the issues that have sparked protests among Kenyans, led by Generation Zs.

"We hope this opportunity afforded to them will lead to a more inclusive government and a realisation of some of our objectives as expressed in our party manifesto," said Omondi.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria reacted to his sacking with sarcasm.

"On 14th January 2020 my friend Festus Mwangi Kiunjuri was fired from Cabinet. On that day I took him out for lunch. Today my brother has returned that favour. It was a good lunch. Asante Mwangi," said Kuria.