Politics tamfitronics
A faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is expressing profound scepticism about former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent political overtures, questioning his intentions and the feasibility of his proposed deal with Raila Odinga.
John Mbadi, the ODM Chairman, has emerged as a prominent critic, openly challenging the sincerity and timing of Kenyatta’s new political plan.
“I am not persuaded that Uhuru means well for us now. If he wanted to give us leadership, he would have given us leadership in 2022. Some of us today would be Cabinet ministers; I would not be a nominated member of parliament,” Mbadi remarked.
As Uhuru Kenyatta’s shadow looms large in Kenya’s opposition politics, Raila’s footsoldiers have expressed a deep sense of missed opportunities and betrayal.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga at a past political meeting after the famous handshake.
State House
Mbadi’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within ODM that Uhuru, who held the instruments of power as President, failed to secure victory for Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections, ultimately handing the presidency to William Ruto.
The nominated MP’s criticism of Kenyatta’s promises is rooted in this history of perceived betrayal.
“You are telling us that now is when Uhuru has the key to take us to the State House, and when he was there he handed the key to someone else. Now you are telling us that Uhuru can give us the key to the State House,” he asserted.
His comments came after allegations that Uhuru and the ODM party leader have been meeting outside the country to discuss a pact to take power in 2027.
In a story published by the Daily Nation, ODM’s Kitchen Cabinet intimated that the former president is courting Rail to drop his Africa Union Commission chairman bid and focus on local politics.
The story further disclosed that Uhuru Kenyatta asked the former premier to abandon the plan to have talks with Ruto and instead work on a strategy to oust Ruto in 2027.
According to the ODM insiders, Uhuru promised to rally the Mount Kenya vote for Raila in the 2027 polls, a plan that failed in the 2022 general election.
In light of the above, Mbadi stated that it was hard to believe the former president given his past actions.
Addressing the improbability of dismantling Ruto’s presidency, Mbadi questioned the practicality of such a strategy.
“You cannot tell us that Ruto’s presidency will come down. How? And if it comes down, what is the solution? If Ruto resigns today, it is Gachagua who is going to be President,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of pragmatic political strategies.
Mbadi emphasized the necessity of engaging in realistic political strategies, rejecting the notion of dismissing dialogue with President Ruto outright.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga at Harambee House on March 9, 2018.
Raila Odinga
