Makau Mutua defends Junet Mohamed as ODM unity faces a test
By Joel Masibo, January 6, 2026As internal wrangles and public exchanges continue to threaten the unity of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), renowned legal scholar and President William Ruto’s senior advisor, Makau Mutua, has weighed in with a spirited defence of Suna East Member of Parliament (MP) Junet Mohamed, portraying him as a victim of long-simmering political jealousy and factional intrigue within the party.
In a statement shared via X on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Mutua argued that the attacks against Junet are not new but rather the delayed expression of resentments that some ODM figures harboured while the departed party leader, Raila Odinga, remained firmly in control.
Junet Mohamed has been engaging in a public spat with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna over differences in party ideologies. According to Mutua, Junet’s proximity to Raila and his position as one of the veteran politician’s most trusted confidantes insulated him from such assaults in the past.
Mutua described Junet as one of the late Raila Odinga’s most trusted aides, emphasising that his loyalty to Raila Odinga was unwavering at a time when, he claimed, others engaged in betrayal and political backstabbing.
Junet’s defence
”THOSE fighting Junet Mohamed were dying to do so out of petty and juvenile jealousies when Baba was alive, but couldn’t, because he was ONLY one of two or three of Mzee’s most trusted aides and confidantes,” Mutua said.
In his view, this loyalty earned Junet Raila’s deep trust and explains why rivals only found the courage to challenge him after circumstances within the party shifted. At a moment when ODM is grappling with visible cracks, Mutua’s remarks highlight an underlying struggle over influence, legacy, and succession within the party.
He framed the current attacks on Junet not as principled disagreements, but as petty and juvenile attempts to diminish a figure whose political standing was built on steadfast service rather than opportunism.
Beyond defending Junet’s past, Mutua also projected confidence in his future. He praised the legislator as one of the most honourable leaders in the country and lauded his skills as a political strategist, suggesting that few politicians can match his acumen.
Junet’s bright future
”Unlike them, Junet never betrayed Baba or stabbed him in the back. Baba trusted him innately. He was loyal to a fault. I am proud to call Junet my friend and comrade. He’s one of the most honourable Kenyans you will ever meet. He’s a brilliant political strategist. I don’t know many politicians who can hold a candle to him.” Makau Mutua said.
In Mutua’s assessment, Junet’s political trajectory remains “stellar,” regardless of the current noise, and his influence in Kenya’s politics is only set to grow. Mutua also dismissed what he termed “silly tabloid stories” targeting Junet and his family, warning that such tactics are unlikely to succeed.
Meanwhile, a section of ODM MPs have called upon both Edwin Sifuna and Junet Mohamed to shelve their personal differences and put an end to the latest public spat witnessed.