Nairobi, Kenya- Sometimes politics is about sticking to your guns. Other times, it’s about joining forces with the very person you’ve spent years opposing. For ODM leader Raila Odinga, his recent collaboration with President William Ruto falls squarely in the latter camp — and he’s doubling down on the decision.
Speaking at the burial of former Rarieda MP Bob Jalang’o Nyanduga at Obaga Primary School grounds, Raila made it clear: no regrets.
“We Had to Pull Kenya Back from the Edge”
Raila reminded the crowd that when ODM agreed to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration under the broad-based government initiative, the country was on the brink.
Think: weeks of anti-government protests, rising tensions, and what he called a risk of “plunging into chaos.”
“It was necessary to take emergency measures to ensure that we do not get into the precipice. We made compromises for the interests of the country. We do not regret that action,” he said.
Corruption — The “Animal” Holding Kenya Back
While defending the partnership, Raila also threw a spotlight on an old enemy: corruption.
He described it as a beast woven into almost every corner of national life — one that’s keeping Kenya from real progress.
“You cannot develop unless you tame this animal called corruption. It exists in almost every aspect of our lives today. We need to fight it in all our spheres,” he warned.
The ODM Faithful: “He Hasn’t Changed”
Not everyone in ODM circles is worried about the handshake moment 2.0.
Siaya Governor James Orengo assured supporters that Raila hasn’t abandoned his reformist DNA.
“At every sitting he never forgets that he is a messenger of the people of Kenya,” Orengo said.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo added that working with the government doesn’t mean ODM is rolling over in Parliament.
“We are still the minority in the National Assembly… we will continue to hold the executive accountable,” he said.
A Party Still in Formation Mode
With heavyweights like Wycliffe Oparanya, Dr. James Nyikal, and Dr. Christine Ombaka in attendance, the message from ODM was clear: cooperation doesn’t mean surrender. The party remains united — and still plans to keep the heat on where it matters.
