Uhuru Kenyatta’s presence on Raila’s thought to join Ruto government significant. Probably, it is affecting the opposition coalition. This is marked by contributing to Raila Odinga’s delay in joining President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration. Several sources show that some leaders within the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition, are intent on preventing a close relationship between Raila and Ruto. This also includes Former president Uhuru Kenyatta. He opposes Raila taking the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson role, which would also bring him closer to Ruto. It has also caused Odinga to slow his engagement with the administration.
Reported meetings
Uhuru has reportedly met with Odinga at least two times abroad. He has been convicting him to abandon the AUC role and focus on Kenya. Reliable sources indicate that in the meeting, Kenyatta assured Odinga that he was working to establish support from central Kenya. This is for Odinga’s 2027 presidential bid. The meeting took place in Europe. Recently in a meet up,Kenyatta stressed the need for Odinga in Kenya. He insisted against pursuing the AU role, suggesting it would aid big his 2027 presidential ambitions.
Raila traveled to Dubai recently. Insiders say another planned meeting with Uhuru. He is advising Odinga to avoid current political engagements. He believes the Kenya Kwanza regime could collapse. This would be of benefit to Odinga. Through engagements with the ODM, Kenyatta is planning to introduce his brother Muhoho. He will potentially pair him with Kalonzo Musyoka. Tentatively, he can join the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. However, senior ODM members are not convinced. They see these plans as attempts to involve ODM in external conflicts without resonable benefits.
President Ruto’s Plot
President William Ruto has offered Odinga at least five cabinet positions. They includes roles in National Treasury and Planning, Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management. Also Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, and East African Community, Arid region, and Regional Development. Raila however insists on agreement from key partners like Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Jeremiah Kioni before accepting. The disagreement has delayed Odinga’s naming of representatives in the partial 11-member Cabinet proposed by President Ruto.
“The return of ministers like Prof Kithure Kindiki, Aden Duale, and Alice Wahome contradicts ongoing discussions on reform and accountability.” Edwin Sifuna,ODM Secretary-General. He also expressed his disatisfaction over the return of the six former Cabinet Secretaries. He says thet the move adds to the confusion surrounding Odinga’s cooperation with the government
Government’s Position and Future Prospects
Isaac Mwaura stated that President Ruto is consulting widely to form a Cabinet that reflects Kenya’s diversity . Also meeting constitutional requirements. Including a balance of youth, women, and persons with disabilities. President Ruto aims to maintain continuity in implementing the bottom-up economic transformation.
Raila is stuck on whether to present his list of nominees while there is tension over the return of former Cabinet Secretaries. His advisors, including his elder brother Dr. Oburu Oginga, are urging him to accept Ruto’s offer. On Saturday, Raila was still reaching out to Kalonzo Musyoka, with President Ruto particularly interested in having Finance and Energy positions filled by individuals from Luoland.
READ ALSO: President Ruto Nominates 11 Cabinet Secretaries; Chirchir, Duale and Kindiki Return
