Raila allies renew threats to desert Ruto

The political alliance between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga is under strain following the deaths of Albert Ojwang’ and Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, raising tensions within the so-called broad-based government.

Autopsy results revealed that Ojwang’ was strangled, while Were was fatally shot, prompting some ODM leaders to threaten to sever ties with the government unless the perpetrators are brought to justice.

These incidents have fuelled a crisis of confidence, with ODM leaders emphasising that their 10-point agreement with UDA did not include tolerance for extrajudicial killings.

On Tuesday, a group of ODM leaders warned they might exit the MoU signed with UDA if thorough investigations into Ojwang’s death are not conducted.

“When we signed the MoU with UDA, we agreed there would be no abductions or extrajudicial killings,” said Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi. “If we do not receive clear answers from UDA, we will consider this a material breach of the MoU. ODM is resolute on this matter.”

The joint framework of cooperation, signed on March 7 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, aimed to address Kenya’s social, economic, and political challenges. It was not tied to power-sharing or the 2027 elections but was a response to the Gen Z protests of 2024.

However, some ODM leaders, angered by ongoing extrajudicial killings, called for the Senate to mark the first anniversary of the protests to reflect on unmet demands.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ emphasised the need to address the Gen Z movement’s concerns, stating, “We spoke of extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and corruption. What progress have we made?”

A group of Nyanza MPs, including Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), James Nyikal (Seme), and Catherine Mumma (Nominated), demanded justice for what they described as a “growing culture of extrajudicial killings.”

Odhiambo rejected claims that her criticism contradicted ODM’s arrangement with the government, asserting that the coalition was not intended to enable constitutional violations.

“You cannot kill people and expect life to go on as normal. That’s unacceptable,” she said. “There is no collaboration that condones intolerance or limits human rights. That’s not ODM’s character. We have raised this with the President, who has promised to address rogue elements in the government.”

Last month, ODM leaders, including National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Odhiambo, and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, expressed outrage over Were’s death, threatening to abandon the government.

“Let it be clear: we did not sign an MoU for assassinations. It was meant to enhance the lives of Kenyans,” Wanga said. She noted that Were had reported threats to his life to the police, but no action was taken. Wanga suggested his killing was intended to weaken Raila Odinga, ODM, and herself, as Were was a close ally.

Raila Odinga described Ojwang’s death as part of a disturbing pattern of police brutality, warning that such incidents erode the credibility of the police and the state. “These recurring deaths are a step toward chaos and collapse,” he said, urging swift investigations.

Wanga also asserted ODM’s dominance in Homa Bay and Nyanza, warning against UDA’s presence in the region. “Homa Bay and Nyanza are ODM zones. If anyone in this region shouts ‘UDA,’ we will not accept it. If you want to challenge us, bring it on,” she declared.

The MoU includes commitments to “uphold the right to peaceful assembly” and “protect the sovereignty of the people, stop abductions, respect constitutionalism and the rule of law, and ensure press freedom.”

It highlights that the right to assemble and petition, guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution, has often been curtailed by security agencies—a key issue during protests against government policies. The agreement also acknowledges public discontent over Kenya’s rising public debt and heavy taxation.