Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP–K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has taken a swipe at Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o over his recent remarks on the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) role in government.

In a post on X, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Wamalwa laughed off Nyong’o’s assertion that ODM was “participating in government without being in government.

“You can fool some people sometime, you can even fool all the people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time,” he wrote.

Nyong’o had made the comment during an interview on a local TV station on Monday, August 11, where he also confirmed that ODM would field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections to challenge President William Ruto. He stressed that ODM remained an independent party and was still in opposition, despite cooperating with the Kenya Kwanza administration on certain matters of national interest.

“The government was formed by the UDA. We cannot change that; it can only be changed during elections,” Nyong’o said, while leaving the door open for possible coalition talks ahead of 2027.

Wamalwa challenges Raila’s loyalty

Wamalwa’s sharp response comes amid growing debate over ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political direction. On August 9, Wamalwa had accused Raila of fully abandoning the Azimio coalition to back Ruto’s re-election bid. He claimed Raila’s remarks in Homa Bay the previous day marked “the beginning of William Ruto’s re-election campaign,” stating that the ODM boss had permanently crossed over to the President’s side.

“Today we know Raila will stand with William Ruto in 2027 and beyond,” Wamalwa declared, challenging ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna to “eat his own words” after previously vowing to quit the party if Raila supported Ruto.

Raila, however, defended his cooperation with the President, saying it was necessary to avert political instability and potential chaos. He cited examples of countries like Libya and Egypt, warning that Kenya had been on the brink of similar turmoil before the broad-based government agreement.

The deal between Ruto and Raila was brokered during a period of high political tension and anti-government protests over the cost of living.