Handshake Government: Rift in Opposition as Ruto Nominates Key Raila Allies to Cabinet

President William Ruto has nominated four prominent members of the opposition to his Cabinet. This decision, unveiled on Wednesday, marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political dynamics, further complicating the already fragmented opposition.

The nominees include Nominated MP John Mbadi, who is set to head the Treasury Ministry; Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi, designated for the Energy docket; former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, who will oversee the Mining and Blue Economy ministry; and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, slated to lead the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.

This announcement is a bold part of Ruto’s strategy for a broad-based government, aimed at bringing together diverse political forces to address the country’s pressing challenges. However, the inclusion of these opposition stalwarts in the Cabinet has sparked a major controversy within the opposition ranks, revealing deep-seated divisions and confusion.

Just a day before the nominations, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had issued a stern warning to party members, advising them against accepting Cabinet positions. Sifuna’s statement underscored the party’s stance of not negotiating or forming coalitions with the Kenya Kwanza administration. “Any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the party,” Sifuna declared, emphasizing the party’s commitment to remaining independent from the current administration.

This position, however, appears to be at odds with recent actions within the ODM. The party had shown an openness to working with the government during a recent Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting, where calls for dialogue were endorsed as a means to navigate the country’s current crisis. This seeming contradiction has fueled speculation about the true nature of ODM’s political strategy.

The nomination of key ODM figures has not only exposed internal discord but has also intensified tensions within the broader Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition. Leaders from various parties within the coalition, including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Kenya, NARC Kenya, and the Party of National Unity, have consistently rejected the notion of joining Ruto’s government. They view such a move as a betrayal of the Kenyan people and the principles they stand for.

On the other hand, ODM National Chairman John Mbadi has voiced strong criticisms of his coalition partners, accusing them of dishonesty and lack of vision. “We cannot follow Kalonzo because we do not know where he is going. I am not persuaded that Kalonzo is taking us anywhere,” Mbadi said over the weekend. His remarks underscore a growing frustration within ODM regarding the coalition’s direction and effectiveness.

Former Governor Ali Hassan Joho, another nominee, has emphasized that ODM will pursue the path that best serves its interests. “We must identify what works for us as ODM. We are the bigger party in Azimio and we cannot be bullied,” Joho stated, reflecting the party’s internal struggle to balance its role within the coalition with the practical realities of political engagement.

Raila Odinga, the ODM leader, has also weighed in on the situation, framing the dialogue with the government as a necessity for the country’s future. “It’s at times of crisis like this that a country needs to talk. We are not doing it to save Ruto. We are doing it to save Kenya. Generals don’t have teargas. They don’t have water cannons. They have bullets,” Raila remarked, underscoring his belief in the importance of national dialogue amidst political and economic turmoil.

In conclusion, President Ruto’s Cabinet nominations have created a complex and turbulent political environment. The opposition’s internal discord and the shifting dynamics within ODM reflect the broader uncertainties facing Kenya’s political landscape as the country navigates through this pivotal moment.