'There is no opposition in Kenya,' says Kaluma amid ODM criticism

For years, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been synonymous with opposition politics in Kenya, acting as a relentless force holding governments accountable and amplifying the people's voice.

On multiple occasions, ODM leaders have spearheaded protests, demanding good governance from ruling administrations. 

The Kenya Kwanza government has been no exception, facing criticism and protests led by ODM figures, including Raila Odinga, who once vowed never to cooperate with President William Ruto and his administration.

However, ODM’s recent shift toward working with the government has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum.

What started with government backing for Odinga’s African Union Commission (AUC) bid has evolved into key ODM officials securing Cabinet Secretary positions. 

Leaders who previously criticised Ruto’s leadership have now changed their stance, publicly supporting and defending the president.

This unexpected alliance has drawn backlash from Kenyans, with many accusing ODM of abandoning its role as the opposition.

Homa Bay Member of Parliament John Kaluma, however, has dismissed the idea of a formal opposition altogether. He argues that all MPs, regardless of their political affiliations, are responsible for government oversight.

“There is no opposition. Let us not insist there is a government side and an opposition side. We don't have that, as all MPs are tasked with oversight duties,” said Kaluma, while appearing on Spice FM on Tuesday, January 21. 

MP Peter Kaluma: Before the constitution, we had a government side and an opposition side.
In the current system, we are a presidential system where everybody is in government. #TheSituationRoom

Follow our live conversation on YouTube: https://t.co/nwG65Kv3O3 pic.twitter.com/u6nj75FBUs — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) January 21, 2025

He also defended ODM leaders working with the government, saying it is wrong to criticise those appointed as Cabinet Secretaries or those publicly supporting the administration.

“We are in a presidential system where everybody is in government. All political parties and all Kenyans are part of the government of the Republic of Kenya, but we are in different political formations,” he added.

Kaluma’s remarks, however, appear to contradict the views of some ODM leaders.

On Saturday, January 18, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called on ODM members serving in government to avoid becoming ‘sycophants’ and to hold President Ruto accountable for injustices in the country.

Kaluma dismissed Sifuna’s statements, arguing that while he [Sifuna] is ODM’s Secretary General, some of his comments reflect personal opinions rather than the party’s official stance.

He urged Kenyans to move away from imposing rigid labels on ODM, noting that the party’s focus remains on serving the country’s interests.