ODM leader Raila Odinga./HANDOUT
Speaking at the burial of former Rarieda MP Bob Jalang’o Nyanduga in Homa Bay on Saturday, August 9, Raila said the move was meant to save the country from collapse.
He dismissed claims that the move signalled a betrayal of his principles or his long-standing opposition to government excesses.
“It was necessary to take emergency measures at a time when the country was about to collapse. We do not regret that action,” he told mourners, adding that unity and stability were paramount.
The ODM leader emphasised the need to confront corruption, describing it as a destructive force holding back development.
“You cannot develop unless you tame this animal called corruption,” he said, warning that no economic or political reforms could succeed without tackling graft.
Several ODM leaders echoed his remarks, insisting the party remained committed to its ideals.
Siaya Governor James Orengo praised Raila’s consistency, saying he had not abandoned the principles that have defined his political career.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo stressed that ODM would continue to hold the executive accountable, even as it worked alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Raila has previously explained that President Ruto reached out to him to find solutions to national challenges, not the other way around.
He has maintained that the partnership is guided by an agreement to address pressing issues such as economic reforms, governance, and national dialogue through the NADCO framework.
On Aguts 6, President Ruto and formed a five-member committee to oversee the implementation of a 10-point agenda and the NADCO report.
This is part of the two leaders' March 7, 2025, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) seeks to foster national cohesion and drive inclusive prosperity through what the two leaders described as “a broad framework for cooperation and collaboration across all political formations and other key stakeholders.”
According to a joint statement issued on August 6, the MoU’s commitments include “full implementation of the NADCO Report,” inclusivity in public life, protection and strengthening of devolution, safeguarding youth livelihoods, and promoting leadership and integrity.
It will also seek to ensure the right to peaceful assembly, address the national debt, fight corruption, prevent wastage of public resources, and “protect and promote sovereignty of the people, rule of law, and constitutionalism.”
The committee will be chaired by Agnes Zani, with Fatuma Ibrahim, Kevin Kiarie, Gabriel Oguda, and Javas Bigambo serving as members.
Raila also made it clear that the cooperation is temporary, running only until the 2027 general election.
Beyond that, he has signalled no binding commitments, portraying the alliance as a pragmatic response to the country’s needs rather than a permanent political merger.
