NAIROBI, Kenya — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga has dismissed calls for the removal of ODM-affiliated officials serving in President William Ruto’s government, sharply telling critics to “shut up” as political tensions over the coalition arrangement continue to simmer.
Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders from the Nyanza region on Friday, Oburu questioned the logic behind demands to sack the officials, arguing that such moves would not benefit the region.
“Kenya is not yours. Kenya is for everybody so I am telling those who are demanding the sacking of our people who are in government to shut up,” he said.
He challenged opponents to explain how the removal of the officials would translate into gains for local communities, suggesting that political hostility was driving the calls rather than public interest.
“If they are sacked, will you get a replacement from this area?” he posed.
Oburu used the forum to defend ODM members facing increasing public scrutiny over their roles in government, framing the criticism as politically motivated rather than merit-based.
The remarks come amid growing controversy surrounding senior officials linked to ODM serving in the Kenya Kwanza administration, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.
Both have faced criticism in recent weeks over allegations linked to a Ksh 4.8 billion fuel import matter, prompting renewed political pressure for accountability and possible removals.
However, Oburu has consistently defended the officials, previously describing calls for their dismissal as politically driven attacks. In an earlier statement on April 7, he warned against what he termed “public lynching” of cabinet secretaries, arguing that such pressure could undermine ongoing investigations.
“Attempts at public lynching of cabinet secretaries Lee Kinyanjui and Opiyo Wandayi… will only derail the investigations and politicise the scam,” he said at the time.
The debate highlights the delicate political balance within Kenya’s broad-based governance arrangement, where opposition-linked figures hold cabinet positions in the current administration.
