In a recent TV47 interview, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Kalonzo Musyoka launched a sharp critique of Raila Odinga’s recent involvement in the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet formation, claiming that Raila was duped in a deal that now threatens his political future.
During the interview, which aired Wednesday night, Musyoka revealed that he had previously warned Raila about the potential risks associated with the broad-based government agreement.
He argued that Raila’s decision to allow four of his ODM lieutenants: Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, and John Mbadi to join President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration was poorly conceived and lacked a formal coalition agreement.
He described the departure of these ODM leaders as a move made “on their own volition,” thereby transforming them into “employees of President William Ruto.”
The Legal Advisor expressed deep concern that the arrangement was strategically flawed and warned that it could undermine Raila’s succession plans. “I tried to evaluate the arrangement and found it confusing. I don’t want to defend Raila, but he was played big time by Ruto. I feel like this issue will jeopardize your political succession,” Kalonzo asserted.
Kalonzo has been a staunch critic of the broad-based government initiative, which was created by Ruto in response to protests led by younger generations demanding better governance. Despite Ruto’s claim that he had approached several leaders to join his government and that some declined, Kalonzo remains firm in his opposition. He has publicly stated that his “conscience” will not permit him to work with Ruto and has positioned himself as Ruto’s principal adversary.
Wiper Leader also criticized ODM for what he perceived as a betrayal of their opposition stance by agreeing to collaborate with the government. He pointed out that Raila had publicly stated he did not solicit the Cabinet posts for his allies, a claim that Kalonzo disputes.
Furthermore he explained the appointment of four CSs ,Joho as the Minister for Mining and Blue Economy, Oparanya for Cooperatives, Mbadi for the National Treasury, and Wandayi for Energy and Petroleum. While extending his best wishes to the four newly appointed Cabinet members, Raila maintained a neutral stance, wishing them success in contributing to national development.
The political landscape remains dynamic as Musyoka’s criticisms and the evolving leadership contest shape the future of Kenyan politics.