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Opposition leader Raila Odinga has set the record straight that ODM Party and Azimio la Umoja Coalition have not formed any coalition with President William Ruto’s UDA Party.

This clarification comes in response to President Ruto’s surprise plot twist of nominating four ODM members to his cabinet.

In a press statement shared on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Odinga laid it out plainly that the ODM Party had anticipated clear terms of engagement based on issues they had raised, but no formal agreement was reached.

“I have taken note of President William Ruto’s announcement yesterday regarding the reconstitution of the cabinet to include four members from ODM. As articulated in our statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto’s UDA party,” Odinga stated.

Adding;

“We had anticipated the crafting of clear terms of engagement based on issues we raised in our various communiques. While we extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development, we continue to advocate for a national engagement under the conditions we have previously outlined,” he added.

The opposition boss said the demands outlined by ODM included compensation to the families of victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year, the release of all persons in custody and the termination of all cases related to protests since last year, and the prosecution of policemen involved in the shooting to kill or maim protestors.

Odinga reiterated ODM’s commitment to its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice.

“ODM remains steadfast in upholding its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice. These principles shall at all times guide our actions and decisions as we strive for the betterment of our nation,” he said.

Adding;

“We urge all stakeholders to remain committed to the ideals of unity and progress for the prosperity of all Kenyans,”

ODM leaders for CS positions

In a national address on Wednesday, President Ruto announced the nomination of John Mbadi, the ODM chairman, for the Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning.

The National Assembly Minority Leader and ODM Secretary of Political Affairs, James Opiyo Wandayi, was nominated for the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Additionally, Hassan Joho, the ODM Deputy Party Leader and former Governor of Mombasa County, was nominated for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

Furthermore, Wycliffe Oparanya, former Governor of Kakamega County, was nominated to lead the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development.

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