Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament (MP) Ngunjiri Wambugu explained an aspect of politics that Raila Odinga has perfected, despite never holding the nation’s presidency.

Speaking during a live TV interview on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the former MP asserted that Raila has been able to keep his people benefiting from the government courtesy of his negotiation acumen.

Wambugu describes the cause as justified, emphasising that it reflects the core purpose of political parties: to pursue power and advance the interests of their supporters.

“The reason parties are established is to pursue power so that you can deliver certain interests for people who support you.”

“We keep talking about Raila’s failure in ascending to the presidency, but he has succeeded in ensuring people who support him consistently benefit from their support,” he maintained.

“For any one person to be able to stay relevant with four presidents, it means you have to give it to him. He knows his game,” he added.

Wambugu referenced how Raila, having successfully negotiated with four past presidents, has also facilitated ODM members’ entrance into William Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government.

Elsewhere, the former Prime Minister stated that he does not regret working with Ruto despite criticisms.

“Today he can comfortably claim he is not in government, but he has managed to put senior members of his party in government and has the regions that supported him in government and its people affecting development in their regions,” he added.

His sentiment comes after he similarly asserted that Raila made a smart political calculation by declaring a non-committal stance over his party’s stance in the 2027 polls, days after Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o said ODM will have a presidential candidate in the next general election.

He stated that Odinga’s remarks on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) fielding a presidential candidate were meant to ensure he and his party remain relevant inside the broad-based arrangement.

Wambugu has further revealed that the ODM leader’s stance is critical, as it keeps the Kenyan Kwanza side waiting as far as courting new allies goes.

“Ruto and his team now have to keep taking care of him. They cannot make a commitment when he is not done. Raila will keep reminding them we are broad-based, and if you want us to remain beyond 2027, keep taking care of us,” he added.