Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has shed light on why the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has chosen to work with President William Ruto, despite their past political differences. Speaking during an interview with Spice FM on Tuesday, Odhiambo emphasized that politics often require strategic cooperation to achieve broader goals.
“Sometimes you have to work with the person you don’t agree with to meet your goals,” she stated, acknowledging the gray areas in politics that necessitate collaboration between former rivals.
Odhiambo explained that ODM and Ruto had been on opposing sides during the 2022 elections, each vying for power. However, given that Ruto is now the sitting president, ODM has opted to engage with him to address national challenges. She maintained that while ODM is willing to cooperate with Ruto’s administration, the party remains steadfast in upholding its values and principles.
“We didn’t agree with Ruto because we also wanted power, but now he’s in power. We have said we can come to help you, but we cannot leave our values and principles as ODM,” she remarked.
She further pointed out that Ruto, having been a member of ODM in the past, understands the party’s ideology, and they are committed to guiding him where necessary. Odhiambo noted that their engagement with the president does not equate to forming a broad-based government but is rather a working relationship aimed at addressing key issues affecting Kenyans.
“Legally, we don’t have a broad-based government. We have some kind of cooperation,” she clarified.
Odhiambo’s comments come amid ongoing political consultations led by ODM leader Raila Odinga. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has also reiterated that ODM has not entered into any formal agreement with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). She stated that Raila is currently engaging supporters across the country to determine the party’s next political steps following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
”So far, ODM and Kenya Kwanza- UDA do not have any formal agreement or documentation that defines our arrangement,” Wanga confirmed in a recent interview.
As political realignments continue, ODM remains firm in its stance, ensuring that any cooperation with the ruling government does not compromise its reform agenda and commitment to the people.
