Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Eric Theuri says the appointment of key ODM Party leaders to President William Ruto’s cabinet has destabilised the strongest opposition force.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Theuri asserted that the appointment of the four individuals has effectively dismantled the party, significantly impacting its strength.
This strategic move, he explained, has not only weakened ODM but has also skewed the political balance for the 2027 elections.
“The nomination of several key leaders of ODM to cabinet effectively killed the party & irredeemably tilted the scales in 2027 elections. The move is a political masterstroke that destabilizes the only strong, credible political opponent,” Theuri said.
ODM leaders joining Ruto’s cabinet
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.
ODM intact?
Opposition leader Raila Odinga recently clarified that neither the ODM Party nor the Azimio la Umoja Coalition has formed a coalition with President Ruto’s UDA Party.
In a press statement on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Odinga explained that while the ODM Party had expected clear terms of engagement based on their raised issues, no formal agreement was made.
“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.
“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.”