Tension is brewing within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, led by Raila Odinga, over President William Ruto's proposed broad-based government.
Initially, the Opposition leader had shown interest in Ruto's call for national dialogue and the formation of a 'government of national unity.'
Reports indicate that President Ruto offered Odinga several Cabinet positions in the proposed broad-based government, which has now caused a rift among ODM leaders.
On Tuesday, July 23, Governor James Orengo was the first to criticize the proposed agreement, calling it "treachery and political cannibalism."
"Taking a cabinet secretary position in the name of ODM betrays the principles of the Constitution and the progressive movement which the party represents. It's absolute treachery and an act of political cannibalism," Orengo stated.
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Saboti Member of Parliament seemed to agree saying that the former Prime Minister is surrounded by selfish individuals who are now scrambling to join the government.
"When I say Raila has had selfish individuals around him, I mean that every bigwig around him is scrambling to join the cabinet. They don't even care whether Baba gets the AU position or whether he goes home, as long as they join the cabinet. Some are even calling Ruto directly. I think we were never on the same journey," remarked Amisi.
On the other hand, leaders like Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai have supported Raila Odinga's call for dialogue.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi openly criticized a faction of Azimio leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, who oppose dialogue and the formation of the proposed Government of National Unity, while also involving former President Uhuru Kenyatta in the debate.
"I am not persuaded that Uhuru means well for us now. If he wanted to give us leadership, he would have given us leadership in 2022. Some of us today would be Cabinet ministers; I would not be a nominated member of parliament. I am also not persuaded that Kalonzo is taking us anywhere," said Mbadi.
While Odinga had initially been open to the idea of dialogue and a broad-based government, the ODM leader sent mixed signals on Sunday by issuing fresh demands before engaging in any discussions with Ruto's administration.
Odinga stated that his side would not engage with the government unless several critical issues were addressed. He demanded that, prior to the national convention, the government must compensate all victims of police brutality, dismiss all protest-related cases, and release all abductees and those in jail.
President Ruto has nominated eleven Cabinet Secretaries after dissolving his cabinet, and it remains to be seen who will fill the remaining positions.
