Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has accused former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga of playing a double game by positioning himself as both an opposition figure and a key player in government.

Speaking on a local media station on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Gakuya argued that Raila’s ODM-UDA pact contradicts parliamentary standing orders, insisting that the former Prime Minister cannot claim to hold the minority side in the National Assembly while simultaneously benefiting from government appointments.

“There is no way you can have one leg inside and the other outside. You must be in one position at a time. Raila should just leave his position in the chamber of the minority because he is no longer in opposition—he is already in bed with the government,” Gakuya stated.

Gakuya asserted that the former prime minister’s influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration is evident in the appointments of Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, as well as committee leadership positions in Parliament.

“You can’t be the minority leader while holding government positions at the same time. The standing orders do not allow this—it is illegal,” the lawmaker remarked.

Gakuya argued that Raila can no longer claim opposition status given his close alignment with the current government.

“Close the bed,” Gakuya said, using a metaphorical expression to suggest Raila should fully commit to his government role. “Leave those others who are left with the image of opposition to assume the position of minority in the house.”

He further accused Raila of misleading Kenyans by maintaining the illusion of being the leader of the opposition while benefiting from government privileges.

“Raila should stop fooling Kenyans and just admit that he is part of the government. He is no longer an opposition leader,” Gakuya asserted.

Raila’s growing influence in government

Over the last few months, Raila has steadily increased his influence within Ruto’s administration, shaping key appointments and policies.

In the aftermath of the Gen-Z protests in June 2024, Raila struck a deal with the president, which led to the appointment of five of his close allies—Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community)—to the Cabinet.

On March 20, 2025, Raila further cemented his grip on government when former ODM elections director Judith Pareno and Ouma Oluga were appointed as Principal Secretaries.

Political analyst Javas Bigambo described the recent reshuffle as a testament to Raila’s growing influence, arguing that only individuals associated with him secured PS positions.

“Nobody outside Raila’s political sphere was appointed as a PS, which is a clear indication that, besides President Ruto, the only other person with a say in government appointments is the ODM leader,” Bigambo told People Daily.

Bigambo further noted that the appointment of former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu—the only person from Mt. Kenya to be named PS—sends a strong message that Raila, and not former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, holds the key to the region’s access to government.

“That was a signal meant to tell the people of Mt. Kenya that Gachagua cannot help them. Their only bridge to Ruto’s administration is Raila,” Bigambo added.

Since losing the 2022 presidential election, Raila has leveraged his political clout to push for reshuffles within the executive, ensuring that his allies occupy strategic positions in government.

His growing role has left many questioning whether he still represents the opposition or has fully transitioned into government.