Raila Odinga, the head of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has boldly reaffirmed his political position by saying that he has no regrets about working with President William Ruto on the broad-based government effort.
Odinga emphasized that the action was motivated by the pressing need to protect the country from instability while speaking at the funeral of former Rarieda MP Bob Jalang’o Nyanduga on the grounds of Obaga Primary School.
Recalling the turbulent period marked by widespread anti-government protests, Odinga painted a picture of a country on the brink of collapse.
“It was necessary to take emergency measures to ensure that we do not get into the precipice. It was necessary to make compromises for the interests of the country. This is what we did and we do not regret that action,” he stated.
The veteran politician also sounded an alarm on the deep-rooted corruption plaguing Kenya, warning that it remains the greatest barrier to development.
“You cannot develop unless you tame this animal called corruption. It exists in almost every aspect of our lives today. We need to fight it in all our spheres,” he emphasized.
Siaya Governor James Orengo sought to reassure Kenyans that Odinga’s decision does not dilute his reformist credentials. “I know that my party leader is being guided by ideological foundations of reform and change, and at every sitting he never forgets that he is a messenger of the people of Kenya,” Orengo remarked.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo echoed the sentiment, affirming that ODM’s role in the broad-based government does not compromise its oversight mandate. “We are still the minority in the National Assembly, and we will therefore continue to hold the executive accountable,” he noted.
Other dignitaries, including Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and Siaya County MP Dr. Christine Ombaka, reiterated that ODM remains a strong, united force committed to serving the people while working within the broad-based government framework.
