Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has come out to defend the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over claims that it has coupled up with Kenya Kwanza.

Raila, who has been missing from the public limelight, came out to set the record straight amidst increasing scepticism around the party and its involvement with the ruling coalition.

Speaking on Sunday, October 13, 2024, Raila who is eyeing the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position, maintained that his party has not sealed a deal with Kenya Kwanza as widely reported.

The former prime minister remarked that ODM is still an opposition party despite allowing some of its members to serve as Cabinet Secretaries in President William Ruto’s administration.

“ODM has not entered the government. There is no contract that we have signed with Kenya Kwanza, we have not signed any agreement,” Raila insisted.

His sentiments come days after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed that ODM got a share of Kenya Kwanza’s administration following the formation of the broad-based government.

Gachagua made the sentiments while defending himself from shareholding claims which was one of the 11 grounds that were tabled in the National Assembly supporting his ouster from office.

Calls for dialogue

While dismissing claims of partnering with Kenya Kwanza, Raila indicated that ODM is still pushing for national dialogue to address some of the issues raised during the anti-finance protests in 2023 and 2024.

The outgoing ODM party leader reiterated that until the conversation is held and resolutions publicised, his party will not form any union with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

“We have said time and again that we need a national dialogue, a national convention to discuss the issues ailing the country some of which we raised and others raised by the youth this year when they were demonstrating.

“Until that conversation takes place properly and the agreement is reached, we are not in government… ODM remains firmly in its position as an opposition party,” Raila emphasised.

His position comes after the party was called out by a section of Kenyans online on how they supported the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The party has also been fingered for failing to properly voice concerns raised by Kenyans on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) rollout and the proposed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) takeover deal by Adani Group.

However, Raila has firmly indicated that ODM has not neglected its position in the opposition.