Raila dismisses Oburu, insists ODM is not in Ruto government

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has heightened speculations of a secret card after he publicly disowned his allies, including his own brother, over the nature of his deal with President William Ruto.

On Saturday, Raila publicly denied claims, including from his brother Oburu Odinga, that his ODM party was in government.

"Oburu is just making empty rhetoric. I am not in government, I am outside government. Let them talk,” Raila fired, fuelling confusion on his political game plan.

Following the signing of the agreement with Ruto in March, the ODM boss was largely expected to be tied into actively supporting government initiatives.

Behind the scenes, sources now say, the veteran leader could be playing a high-stakes game of political poker—holding a hidden ace that could tip the balance in his favour.

Tellingly, the ODM boss has been siding with his firebrand secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo who have not only rubbished the broad-based arrangement but also declared they do not recognise it.

He even came to the defence of Sifuna during the burial of slain Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, insisting the Nairobi senator – who is unapologetic for fighting Ruto’s government – is speaking the position of the ODM party.

Raila relayed Orengo’s condolences during the Saturday burial ceremony of Nephtal Ambitho, the father of Angela Ambitho.

Orengo like Sifuna is a fierce critic of the Ruto-led broad-based government.

“I bring condolences from Orengo. He is in India and we have been in talks with him,” Raila said, putting to rest speculations he had fallen out with the governor.

The Saturday’s remarks appears to be buttressing claims the ODM leader could be working on a secret card and could abandon Ruto and either contest in 2027 or back another candidate.

Speaking in Migori, Sifuna challenged Raila’s presidential bid in 2027 if the broad-based government is genuine.

“I don’t recognise that broad-based government but if you people confess that Ruto had to go for Raila to help him run the government, then let Ruto step down in 2027 and support Raila,” Sifuna said during a funds drive to support boda boda riders.

But in Siaya, ODM leaders, led by Oburu, drummed up support for the broad-based government, which they noted will help in resource distribution to the marginalised areas.

The burial was also attended by MP Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Budget Committee chairperson Sam Atandi (Alego Usonga) and Babu Owino (Embakasi East).

Oburu said their participation in what he described as a broad-based government, is about service delivery.

He appeared to defend the party’s involvement in government affairs, saying the country needs truth and openness to progress not political wrangling.

“A country cannot be built on chaos. It is built on truth. If something is wrong, we say it. If something is right, we also say it,” Oburu told mourners.

The senator said he sees no contradiction in ODM members working with the government, especially if it benefits their people.

"We recently joined the broad-based government. At the same time giving our best people to work with the government and we are all there in a broad-based arrangement," he said.

Oburu further urged for peace and tolerance, saying leaders should focus on the interests of the people rather than political competition.

“Let those with contrary opinions continue where they are. We were also there before, and we know more than them. Let us also continue with what we deem fit,” he said.

He said elected leaders have a duty to represent their people and seek development resources on their behalf.

“When we represent our people, we can’t all scramble for positions. We were elected to do that on their behalf, and we must not shy away from looking for resources for our area,” Oburu said.

He also lauded recent developments that have seen leaders from the Nyanza region take up key government positions, including the Cabinet secretary for Finance hailing from Gwassi, and Atandi chairing the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“For the first time in our country’s history, we have a Finance minister from Gwassi and a budget committee chair from here. We are now at the table where resources are shared, something that has never happened before,” Oburu said.

He urged leaders and citizens alike to ensure the region's presence in such strategic positions translates into tangible benefits.

“Let us give services to the people. Let us ensure the presence of our people in these positions is properly utilised so that the people can get fair share, as taxpayers like any other Kenyan,” Oburu said.