The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reaffirmed its commitment to remain in the opposition despite the appointment of some of its members to the cabinet, deepening the ongoing crisis within the Azimio coalition.
ODM has made it clear that it will not succumb to any attempts to pressure its party leader, Raila Odinga, into endorsing any individual or be used as a scapegoat for leadership failures in other parties.
During a press conference in Nairobi, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed any claims of ODM forming ties with the Kenya Kwanza government.
She emphasized that ODM remains the leading opposition party and will continue to hold the government accountable, alongside other minority parties.
“We categorically state that ODM is not in any coalition with Kenya Kwanza. We remain in opposition and will continue our oversight role, ensuring transparency and equity for all Kenyans,” said Wanga.
This statement comes amid rising tensions within the Azimio One Kenya Coalition, as affiliate parties such as Wiper, Jubilee, and the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) have distanced themselves from ODM.
During a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kitale, DAP-K announced that ODM should formally exit the coalition due to its association with members who joined the Kenya Kwanza government.
DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa stated, “As DAP-K, we are committed to rescuing Kenyans and will not be part of a coalition that has members serving both in government and opposition. ODM should formally exit Azimio.”
He reiterated that his party would remain in opposition to protect the interests of Kenyans.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed similar sentiments, declaring that the remaining Azimio affiliate parties would continue playing a strong opposition role and uphold their commitment to the country.
He further stated that Raila Odinga’s bid for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) does not impact their dedication to representing the people.
Kalonzo was declared the coalition’s new opposition leader, and he promised to push forward with oversight on the government.
“We will continue to speak out against injustices, as the country needs strong opposition leadership now more than ever,” he said.
ODM, however, has rejected attempts to marginalize Raila Odinga’s role in the coalition and dismissed claims that its members’ appointments to the cabinet undermine its opposition status.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi criticized coalition partners, calling their actions “drama” and insisting that ODM remains the most significant opposition party in Parliament.
“ODM has the highest number of MPs committed to Azimio ideals. We will not be intimidated by partners who seek to weaken our party’s position,” said Osotsi.
As tensions within Azimio continue to rise, ODM remains firm in its stance as the principal opposition party, despite challenges from its coalition partners.
Both sides have expressed their intentions to remain committed to their political missions, and it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve in the coming days.
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