Kenya, July 21 -- In a revealing interview on July 20, 2025, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga distanced himself from his party's decision to join President William Ruto's broad-based government, declaring, "I was against broad-based government. Our deal will not go beyond 2027."
Speaking at his Karen residence in Nairobi, Odinga emphasised that his support for Ruto's administration is temporary, aimed at stabilising Kenya amid economic and social unrest, but he remained noncommittal on his 2027 presidential plans.
Raila Odinga, Kenya's veteran opposition leader and Azimio la Umoja coalition head, has stirred political waves with his candid remarks against the broad-based government formed with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
During an NTV interview on July 20, 2025, Odinga clarified that he initially opposed ODM's participation in Ruto's administration, which emerged from a March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following youth-led protests against the controversial Finance Bill.
The Raila Odinga broad-based government stance, coupled with his assertion that the ODM-UDA deal will not extend past 2027, has reignited discussions about his political strategy as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.
The broad-based government, formalised at Nairobi's Kenyatta International Convention Centre, was designed to address Kenya's socio-economic challenges, including ballooning debt and corruption, by integrating ODM experts into key roles.
Notable appointments include ODM deputy leaders Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community).
However, Odinga's insistence that ODM has not formally joined the government but merely "donated experts" reflects internal party tensions, with critics like Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka claiming the move has damaged Odinga's credibility, particularly in the Nyanza region.
Odinga's opposition to the broad-based government stemmed from his initial push for a national dialogue to address the Gen Z-led protests, which rejected the finance bill and demanded reforms.
The youth, chanting "Ruto Must Go", dismissed dialogue as a "waste of time", forcing Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet and seek Odinga's support to stabilise the government.
Odinga's decision to allow ODM members to join was a pragmatic move to avoid anarchy, but he emphasised that the 10-point MoU, including priorities like youth unemployment and devolution funding, must be fully implemented by 2027.
He highlighted his firm stance: "We did not say we are going to work with UDA beyond 2027."
The Raila Odinga 2027 election plans remain a focal point, with the ODM leader keeping his options open. While he has not confirmed a sixth presidential bid, Odinga told The Star that he could either run, support another candidate, or engage in post-2027 talks with Ruto, stating, "I don't have to run. I can support someone else."
This ambiguity has fueled speculation as voters, noting his respect for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who has not yet sought his endorsement.
ODM's October 2025 National Delegates Convention (NDC) will be pivotal, as it will elect new leaders and decide whether to field a presidential candidate or back Ruto.
Critics, including ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, have expressed frustration over state blunders, such as the teargassing of children in Nakuru, complicating the party's cooperation with Ruto.
Siaya Senator James Orengo's outburst at a funeral, calling for truth in leadership, underscores the rift within ODM, with some members like Godfrey Osotsi defending Odinga's authority to chart the party's path.
The controversy has drawn comparisons to Odinga's 2018 handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta, which birthed the Building Bridges Initiative but alienated some supporters.
Citizens noted, "Raila opposed joining Ruto's government, but ODM leaders pushed for it to end the deadlock."
The Ruto-Raila political deal faces tests as 2027 looms, with Odinga's brother, Oburu Oginga, warning that ODM's support is conditional and could unravel if expectations, such as justice for protest victims like Albert Ojwang, are unmet.
Daily Nation reported Oburu's frustration over unexplained deaths in custody, highlighting the delicate balance of the MoU.
Meanwhile, people criticised the government for offering "token appointments" rather than structural reforms, urging Odinga to demand accountability.
Odinga's call for electoral reforms, including abolishing the voter register for ID-based voting, signals his focus on restoring public confidence.
For those seeking Raila Odinga's latest updates, his stance reflects a strategic balancing act: stabilising Kenya while preserving ODM's opposition identity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.