Ruto’s Offer To Raila In The Cabinet
Details have emerged about an offer from President William Ruto to Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga regarding a broad-based Cabinet amid ongoing tensions within the opposition over collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza government. Sources from both the government and Odinga’s camp have revealed that the delay in naming Odinga’s representatives in the newly announced 11-member Cabinet is due to a deadlock within his faction.
President Ruto has reportedly proposed at least five Cabinet positions to Odinga, including the National Treasury and Planning, Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, and East African Community, Arid Region and Regional Development. However, Odinga faces internal conflicts with his Azimio la Umoja One Kenya partners, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chairs the coalition’s council. Meanwhile, the faction led by Kalonzo Musyoka has distanced itself from Odinga’s move to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration, stating that any affiliate party doing so acts independently.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna expressed disappointment over the reappointment of six former Cabinet Secretaries, whom President Ruto had previously dismissed. This development has added to the confusion surrounding Odinga’s potential cooperation with the government. The reinstated former CSs are Prof Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale, Alice Wahome, Soipan Tuya, and Davis Chirchir, with former Trade CS Rebecca Miano now named Attorney General. Sifuna emphasized that for genuine dialogue, no former Cabinet members should be reinstated.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura mentioned that the President is consulting widely on both the announced and remaining Cabinet picks. Odinga is reportedly torn on whether to present his list of nominees to the President, especially with the tension over the return of the former CSs.
An associate of Odinga revealed that there have been multiple attempts, including from his elder brother Dr. Oburu Oginga. They have been urging him to accept President Ruto’s offer. President Ruto is reportedly eager to hand the Finance docket to Luo Nyanza. This is because the region has never held this position since independence. However, ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya is also vying for the Finance position. Odinga had promised him the position during the lead-up to the August 9, 2022 elections if Azimio won.
Odinga is believed to have traveled to Dubai on a business mission, where he might meet former President Kenyatta. Kenyatta has been influencing Azimio from behind the scenes. Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula claimed that the conflict between Kenyatta and Ruto is ongoing. This is contributing to the stand-off and Odinga’s hesitation to submit his list of nominees. Savula noted that President Ruto wants to have Odinga on his side, particularly focusing on ODM.
Odinga is in a difficult political position due to his recent engagements with President Ruto’s administration. He has faced criticism on social media for endorsing a dialogue convened by President Ruto. The dialogue was addressing issues raised by the Kenyan youth. Odinga’s ambition for a high-profile African Union Commission post relies on the support of the Head of State. This makes opposition to President Ruto detrimental to his aspirations. Insiders in Odinga’s camp argue that his collaboration with Ruto should involve incorporating opposition figures into the government. Odinga had supported Kenyatta’s administration from the outside, with an assurance of getting support in the 2022 elections. But it ultimately did not occur.
