Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, has returned from Dubai after failing to secure the African Union chairmanship.
Upon his arrival, President William Ruto has reportedly given him a list of priorities under his administration, signaling a new phase in their political interactions.
This development has sparked significant discussions within the political landscape, with various leaders taking different stands on the matter.
According to The Standard newspaper, sources revealed that Ruto handed Raila an agreement to sign concerning his involvement in government affairs.
However, Raila chose to consult members of his party before appending his signature, indicating that he is taking a cautious approach before making any commitments.
This move shows that Raila is not in a hurry to join Ruto’s government without securing assurances that favor his interests.
One of the most significant changes expected as part of this agreement is a major shakeup in Ruto’s Cabinet. Reports suggest that Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi is among those set to be dismissed.
Muturi, who has been serving in Ruto’s administration, is said to be among several CSs who were allied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
This signals an ongoing effort by Ruto to completely remove Uhuru’s influence from government.
However, this shakeup is reportedly linked to Raila’s involvement, as sources indicate that the changes will take place immediately after Raila presents his nominees to Ruto.
It is further reported that Raila was offered 12 Principal Secretary positions, but he demanded 16, which would give him more influence in government decisions.
This is a surprising development given that Raila and his allies have consistently claimed to be in the opposition.
If Raila succeeds in securing these positions, it would mean he has gained a significant stake in running government affairs, contradicting the idea that ODM is fully independent of Ruto’s administration.
This move could further blur the lines between government and opposition, leaving many questioning Raila’s true political stance.
Despite the attractive offers being given to him, Raila is facing opposition within his own party.
A group of ODM leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, are reportedly against the deal.
They argue that Raila’s involvement in Ruto’s administration would compromise the party’s integrity and weaken its position as the opposition.
This disagreement is expected to cause serious divisions within ODM, with some members supporting Raila’s move while others firmly oppose it.
To address these growing concerns, ODM has scheduled a crucial meeting today, which is expected to be highly charged. The meeting is likely to determine the party’s official position on Raila’s engagement with Ruto.
If the opposition within ODM strengthens, Raila might be forced to reconsider his stance or risk splitting the party.
However, if he moves forward with the deal despite resistance, it could lead to a realignment of political alliances ahead of the next election.Raila’s next move will be closely watched by both his supporters and critics.
If he chooses to fully align with Ruto’s administration, it will mark a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
However, if the internal opposition within ODM proves too strong, Raila may have to abandon or renegotiate the deal. Either way, his decisions in the coming days will have major political consequences.
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