ODM-allied Cabinet Secretaries vow to remain in broad-based government

Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo/PCS

Several Cabinet Secretaries allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have vowed to remain in President William Ruto’s broad-based government, saying their decision aligns with the wishes of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

Speaking during Raila’s burial ceremony held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, the leaders said the ODM founder had shown them the direction he wanted the party to take before his death.

According to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the party’s direction is to work with the government for the unity and progress of the nation.

He said Raila had already prepared his community and political allies for the transition, noting that his decision to back cooperation with President Ruto was deliberate and visionary.

“Your Excellency, don’t be shaken,” Mbadi said.

“As a community, we believe that a leader, before he dies, knows his death but does not talk about it. He will show his people what he wants to be done. Raila showed us before he died that he wanted us to be in government. As a party and as a community, we will be in the broad-based government, we will support it, and we will work with you.”

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho echoed the sentiment, reaffirming his commitment to the government and the ODM party.

He said that he would never back a side that Raila, his political mentor, did not show him.

“I can’t be where Raila did not take me,” Joho said.

“I was taken to the government of William Ruto by Raila Odinga, and that is where I belong and where I will stay. The values of ODM were instilled in me by Raila, and whoever tries to break the party will be the one to leave. ODM is here to stay.”

East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development CS Beatrice Askul said Raila had personally directed them to continue serving within the government.

“Baba told me to stay in government — that is where he has left us,” she said.

“In ODM, we will continue doing what we have always done.”

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya added that Raila’s message was clear during their last meeting.

“When I last met Raila, he said we will continue to be in the broad-based government, and those left to lead the party should continue to build and strengthen it,” Oparanya said.

The remarks signalled a united front among ODM leaders serving in President Ruto’s administration, affirming continued cooperation in the wake of Raila’s passing.