NAIROBI, Kenya — ODM leader Raila Odinga has come out swinging in defense of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu’s Anyang’ Nyong’o, insisting the two are well within their rights to speak on the cooperation deal between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA party.
For Raila, this isn’t a grand political merger—it’s simply an understanding laid out in black and white.
Speaking in Karachuonyo during the funeral of Priscillah Koyo, wife of former Luo Council of Elders Chairman Koyo Opien, Raila made it clear: the ODM-UDA agreement is not a coalition—it’s a broad-based arrangement rooted in a public memorandum of understanding (MoU), not political romance.
It’s an MoU, Not a Marriage
In his usual fiery-but-factual tone, Raila underscored that the ODM-UDA relationship is strictly based on the MoU, which he described as “signed in daylight.”
This, he said, gives ODM leaders like Orengo and Nyong’o the latitude to speak out on national issues—including the structure of the current government—without being branded as defectors or traitors.
“There are clear points, very explicit, and I don’t see why people are bickering,” Raila said, brushing off criticism from within ODM ranks. “When Orengo talks, he is talking on the basis of the MoU between ODM and UDA. Orengo has not committed any crime.”
In case you missed it, tensions have been simmering within ODM over comments by the governors endorsing aspects of Ruto’s so-called broad-based government.
But Raila insists that allowing cooperation without full political fusion is both legal and strategic.
Devolution, the Forgotten Promise
Raila also took the moment to pivot to a familiar ODM talking point—devolution, or rather, the lack of it.
“Devolution was the most important feature of our Constitution, but it has not worked because we have not implemented it the way it should be,” he said.
He slammed the national government for holding on to funds meant for devolved functions.
“Health is a devolved function, but most of the funds are held up in Nairobi. Why should the national government hold over Sh100 billion yet the function is devolved?” Raila questioned, echoing long-standing concerns about fiscal decentralization.
His message? If you’re talking about empowering counties, you’re speaking ODM’s language—whether you sit in opposition benches or share tea with State House operatives.
Speaking Freely, Even in Cooperation
Raila wrapped it up with a reminder: cooperating with the government doesn’t mean losing your voice. “The fact that our party is in a cooperation agreement with UDA doesn’t mean ODM members and supporters can’t speak their minds,” he said.
He even offered a global comparison to make his point crystal clear—likening the arrangement to bipartisan appointments in the United States. Think Biden tapping a Trump ally for Cabinet—not love, just strategy.
Raila’s message was pointed: the ODM-UDA pact isn’t a backdoor alliance. It’s not about power-sharing—it’s about pragmatic engagement.
While some in the Orange party are quick to cry betrayal, Raila is trying to reframe the cooperation as both legal and logical.
As the political temperature continues to rise, one thing is clear: in Kenyan politics, agreements may be made in daylight, but the debates they spark last long after sunset.
