Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has defended Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) meetings reportedly held at State House.

Junet said ODM was part of the broad-based government and should not be treated as an opposition party.

Speaking in Kajiado County on Saturday, July 18, 2026, he asked critics where they expected ODM to hold its high-level meetings.

“Nimesikia wengine jana wanasema ati siku hizi mikutano za ODM zinafanywa huko State House,” Junet said.

“Sasa ulikuwa unataka tufanye mkutano wapi? ODM iko katika serikali ya broad-based. ODM sio ile ya zamani. This is a ruling party.”

Junet spoke during the Thanksgiving ceremony of ODM Youth League President Johnmark Ketorah in Kiloh.

ODM is now the ruling party, Junet says

Junet’s remarks signal how senior ODM leaders view the party’s place in President William Ruto’s administration.

The party entered the broad-based government following months of political tension and anti-government protests.

Several senior figures associated with ODM were subsequently appointed to the Cabinet.

The cooperation has attracted criticism from leaders who believe ODM has abandoned its role of holding the government accountable.

Others have questioned whether the State House has become the centre of ODM’s political activities.

Junet rejected that criticism. He presented ODM’s access to the State House as evidence that the party had moved closer to power.

He also ruled out a return to street demonstrations.

“Sisi saa hii sio watu wa zamani ya kupiga kelele kwa barabara. Hiyo tuliwacha huko,” he said.

“Watu wetu wamekufa ya kutosha. Hatuwezi kubali tena watu wetu wakufe.”

The Suna East MP said ODM would pursue its political interests through negotiations and participation in government.

His remarks suggest the party is redefining itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

ODM is no longer presenting itself purely as an opposition movement. Its senior leaders are increasingly portraying it as a partner in the running of government.

Junet sees no ODM exit before 2027

Junet also dismissed the possibility of ODM leaving the broad-based government before the next election.

“Mimi sioni dalili yoyote ya ODM kutoka kwa broad-based. Sioni dalili yoyote ya ODM kuachana na William Ruto,” he said.

He questioned the logic of abandoning government and returning to the opposition, only to campaign for power in 2027.

“Yaani mtu ananiambia tutoke kwa serikali tuende kwa opposition ndio turudi kwa serikali? Hiyo ni akili ya aina gani?” he posed.

“Hiyo ni akili ya mtu ambaye hajaenda shule.”

His position places him among ODM leaders supporting continued cooperation with Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The arrangement remains a major subject of debate within ODM.

One group views it as an opportunity to influence government policy and secure development. Another remains concerned that cooperation with UDA could weaken ODM’s identity.

Junet’s response was nevertheless firm. ODM will continue holding talks at the highest level of government and has no immediate intention of returning to opposition politics.