Orange Democratic Movement Party Leader Raila Odinga has scoffed-off at claims that his pact with President Ruto is of ‘games of seats’ and vested interest.
In a bold response, the ODM boss responded to allies of ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who have criticized the recent political pact between Odinga and President William Ruto.
The agreement, signed on 7 March 2025, aims to foster collaboration on key national issues but has been labeled as self-serving by detractors.
The verbal sparring comes ahead of the 2027 elections with the political realignments presenting both opportunities and challenges even as critics raise concerns about the Ruto-Odinga pact has the potential to foster unity and address pressing national issues.
Critics also raises questions about the future of opposition politics and the mechanisms of accountability within the government. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this alliance will lead to tangible benefits for the Kenyan populace or further entrench political divisions.
Odinga dismissed the ongoing political squabbles, emphasizing the need to prioritize national development over incessant politicking. He urged leaders to cease early campaign activities and concentrate on addressing the pressing challenges facing Kenyans.
“Too much politicking is hurting the country’s development agenda,” Odinga asserted. “The time for politics will come, but for now, let’s focus on the issues that matter to our people.”
Allies of former Deputy President Gachagua have openly criticized the Ruto-Odinga pact, accusing Odinga of abandoning his long-held mission of fighting for the common mwananchi (citizen). Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the 2027 elections, took chance to bare knuckle the current regime.
“In the previous government, he had a deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta, and we didn’t elect him. Now he wants to repeat the same thing with Ruto. This coalition is for his own benefit—his stomach, not the people,” Gakuya declared.
Similarly, other Gachagua allies have described the pact as a betrayal to the electorate, suggesting that it undermines the essence of a robust opposition necessary for a healthy democracy. They argue that such alliances blur the lines of accountability and compromise the checks and balances integral to governance.
Odinga refuted claims that the pact is self-serving, emphasizing that the agreement is designed for joint consultations on vital matters affecting Kenyans, rather than sharing government positions. He highlighted the importance of reducing national tensions and fostering cooperative governance.
“Passive criticism is insufficient; active involvement in addressing pressing national issues is imperative,” Odinga remarked.
The political landscape has been notably affected by the Ruto-Odinga alliance. Allies of the former Deputy President have experienced a diminishing influence, particularly within parliamentary committees. Notably, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa was removed as chair of the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing. These shifts are perceived as efforts to consolidate support for the new alliance and marginalize dissenting voices.
The public remains divided over the political developments. While some citizens welcome the collaboration between Ruto and Odinga as a step toward national unity and progress, others view it as a betrayal of democratic principles. Political analyst Nanjala Nyabola expressed concerns over the erosion of parliamentary opposition, stating that such agreements could stifle critical oversight functions essential in a democracy.
