Raila was not for broad-based govt – Kalonzo
By Francis Muli, March 30, 2026Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has claimed that the late Raila Odinga did not support the idea of a broad-based government.
Kalonzo, who has worked closely with Raila for years, said his understanding of the former prime minister’s political thinking informed his current stance.
“I spent a sizeable chunk of my political life working with Raila Odinga, and I knew his mind, and that is why I went to mourn him in my own way when he passed on. I happen to know he was not for this broad-based government,” he said.
He pointed to a section of leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) whom he believes are carrying forward Raila’s political philosophy.
“When you see Jim Orengo, you see Raila Odinga. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o is another Raila Odinga. I know Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Jim Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Osotsi, and, to some extent, Wycliffe Oparanya, but Oparanya seems to get mixed up,” Kalonzo added.
He singled out a faction within ODM aligned to Sifuna, saying it shares his opposition stance against the current political arrangement.
“The Sifuna team is very clear, they are saying they are with us in the one-term clarion call, we hope to work with them to make this country better,” he said.
Kalonzo reiterated that Raila’s vision is still alive within sections of ODM leadership, particularly among those opposed to cooperation with the government.
“Raila did not believe in the broad-based thing, which is why Edwin Sifuna is carrying that vision along with James Orengo. Those are the real people carrying my late brother’s vision within ODM, and I wish them well,” he said.
At the same time, the Wiper leader expressed concern over public perception regarding political participation in government, noting that some Kenyans feel excluded.
“My regret is that people feel we have been in opposition; others say you go to the government to eat, and they feel disenfranchised,” he said.
He emphasized that any future administration under his leadership would prioritize merit over political patronage.
“We will lay emphasis on meritocracy; nobody should expect to get easy appointments,” Kalonzo stated.
His remarks come amid deepening divisions within ODM and the wider opposition, as leaders debate whether to engage with the government or maintain a hardline stance ahead of the next electoral cycle.