‘It wasn’t me!’ Raila speaks on nomination of ODM leaders to Ruto's Cabinet

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has maintained that neither his ODM party nor the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has entered into an agreement with President William Ruto's government despite the Head of State including four of his allies in his list of new Cabinet nominees on Wednesday.

Ruto recommended ODM Chair and Nominated MP John Mbadi to lead the Treasury ministry and National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi to oversee the Energy docket.

He similarly nominated former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho to lead the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to head the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development.

In a statement on Thursday, Mr. Odinga emphasised that while discussions have been ongoing, no formal coalition terms have been formalized between the parties involved.

"As articulated in our statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, neither the ODM party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto's UDA party. We had anticipated the crafting of clear terns of engagement based on issues we raised in our various communiques," said Mr. Odinga.

"While we extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development, we continue to advocate for a national engagement under the conditions we have previously outlined as below; compensation to the families of the victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year, release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases rblated to protests since last year and prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors."

The ODM chief further reiterated the party's commitment to upholding democratic principles on good governance.

"ODM remains steadfast in upholding its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice. These principles shall at all times guide our actions and decisions as we strive for the betterment of our nation. We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of unity and progress for the prosperity of all Kenyans," he stated.

Mr. Odinga’s sentiments come hours after ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna called for the resignation of Mbadi, Wandayi, Joho and Oparanya from the party following their nomination to the Cabinet.

Sifuna further intimated that the nomination of the four was not approved by party leader Mr. Odinga, stating that if his hand was involved in the speculated pact, there would be gender equity in the nominations.

Speaking on Citizen TV's Daybreak Show on Thursday, Sifuna stated that the individuals were not endorsed to join Ruto's government and their nominations do not align with the party's stance.

He added that the four should tender their resignation letters before heading for vetting in Parliament.

"Even the President himself never said he consulted Raila. He never said he consulted ODM he just said the names of the people he has appointed and it is his prerogative as the president," said Sifuna then.