Orengo Warns ODM Leaders Against Joining Ruto’s Cabinet Without a Formal Agreement

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Siaya Governor James Orengo warned four ODM leaders nominated to President Ruto’s Cabinet of consequences if they join without a formal agreement.
• Raila Odinga clarified that ODM and Azimio have not formed any coalition with Ruto’s UDA party, amid emerging opposition divisions.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a stern warning to four Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders nominated for positions in President William Ruto’s Cabinet. 

He cautioned them against joining the government without a formal agreement in place, highlighting the risks they would face. 

On July 24, 2024, President Ruto announced the second batch of Cabinet nominees, including four ODM leaders: Nominated MP John Mbadi (Treasury), Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs).

Addressing a function in Nyanza on Friday, Orengo warned these opposition-allied leaders that joining the Cabinet without a proper arrangement would leave them at the mercy of the Kenya Kwanza government.

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He stressed the need for a well-drafted agreement between the government and the opposition to outline the rules of engagement. 

Orengo referenced the grand coalition government between former President Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga, where decisions required mutual consultation, underscoring that the four leaders must be prepared to handle any decisions made by the president.

Orengo starkly compared joining the government without an agreement to entering a marriage without a certificate, calling it “the greatest stupidity.” 

He advised political leaders not to exploit the Gen Z protests for personal gain but to stand in solidarity with the people. 

Orengo expressed sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives during the anti-government protests, noting that over 20 people had been buried in the region, yet these leaders were conspicuously absent from the funerals.

Reiterating his commitment to the opposition, Orengo, a long-time ally of Raila Odinga, criticized the notion of the opposition collaborating with the government. 

He affirmed his stance, despite criticism, and warned that failure to follow the right path would lead to a situation reminiscent of KANU’s one-party state era.

Raila Odinga, on the other hand, maintained that the opposition had not entered into any agreement with the government. 

In a statement on July 25, 2024, he clarified that neither the ODM party nor the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party had formed any coalition with President Ruto’s UDA party, emphasizing the need for clear terms of engagement.

In recent weeks, divisions have emerged within the opposition due to ODM’s inclination to engage in talks with the government, prompting criticism from other Azimio principals. 

NARC Kenya recently announced its intention to exit the opposition, stating that their continued alliance with Azimio was untenable.