Omanyo: Raila urged ODM to back Ruto for development

ODM secretary general Catherine Omanyo has defended the party’s decision to join the broad-based government, saying the late Raila Odinga encouraged members to prioritise solutions over political resistance.

Speaking during an interview on Good Morning Kenya, Omanyo said Raila had urged the party to work with the government to advance development and address challenges facing Kenyans.

“Baba told us to join the broad-based government to move from politics of resistance to finding solutions,” Omanyo said.

She maintained that opposition politics should not prevent leaders from supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens.

“We cannot oppose development simply for the sake of being in opposition,” she added.

Omanyo’s remarks highlight ODM’s position on cooperation with the government, with the party maintaining that political engagement can provide an opportunity to influence decisions and push for solutions to issues affecting the public.

The broad-based government arrangement followed the political understanding between President William Ruto and Raila, who sought to promote national dialogue and cooperation amid political tensions.

The arrangement brought together leaders from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and members of ODM, creating a framework for cooperation on selected national issues.

Raila had previously advocated for dialogue and the resolution of political differences through engagement, particularly on matters concerning governance, economic challenges and the welfare of Kenyans.

Omanyo’s statement also underscores the debate surrounding ODM’s role in the current political arrangement, with questions continuing over how the party can cooperate with the government while maintaining its identity and accountability to its supporters.

The ODM leadership has faced the challenge of balancing cooperation with the need to articulate the concerns of Kenyans and hold the government accountable where necessary.

Her remarks suggest that the party views participation in the broad-based arrangement as an opportunity to pursue practical solutions rather than engage in opposition politics for its own sake.

However, the party’s continued involvement in the arrangement is likely to remain a subject of political discussion as leaders navigate the relationship between cooperation, accountability and their political commitments.