Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu has made a bold claim, stating that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga could become more powerful than President William Ruto if he decides to join the government.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, March 3, Nyutu asserted that Ruto currently has no alternative but to work with Raila. This, he argued, puts the President in a vulnerable position where Raila could end up wielding greater influence than him.
“I strongly believe Raila is about to be made co-president, and I even dare say that if this happens, Raila will not just be a co-president but will hold more power than President Ruto in this arrangement,” Nyutu stated.
He further explained that since Ruto has no alternative political strategy except aligning with Raila, the ODM leader is in a position to demand anything he wants, and the President will have no choice but to grant it.
The senator also pointed out that bringing Raila into the government would be a strategic move for Ruto, as it could help him win back supporters who have drifted toward the opposition.
Raila’s Next Move Still Uncertain
At the moment, Raila has not publicly declared whether he will align himself with the opposition or the government. According to ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the former Prime Minister is still engaging in nationwide consultations with his supporters before making a final decision.
Speaking on Monday, March 3, Wanga stated that ODM and Kenya Kwanza do not currently have any formal agreement or written documentation outlining their relationship.
“As soon as our party leader returned, he began consultations with his supporters across the country. He is asking them which direction he should take. Once he concludes these discussions, he will present his findings to the party organs, and we will determine our path forward,” she said.
She acknowledged that some ODM members are already working in the executive branch of the government, but at the same time, leaders from both the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance and the opposition have been urging Raila to clarify his stance.
“We are taking all factors into account because we need to align ourselves with what best represents our beliefs,” Wanga added.
Raila Still Criticizing Ruto’s Government
Despite maintaining a working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government, Raila has not shied away from holding President Ruto’s administration accountable. He has continued to voice concerns over governance and justice issues in the country.
While addressing a gathering in Mombasa on Sunday, March 3, the ODM leader demanded compensation for victims who suffered injuries or lost loved ones during political protests in 2023, including the Gen Z demonstrations.
“The young people who were injured and the families of those who lost their lives during the 2023 Azimio protests and last year’s Gen Z protests must be compensated,” Raila stated.
He emphasized that such tragic events should not be happening in Kenya and called for greater accountability.
“These are among the conditions we are setting. But most importantly, we must ensure that such incidents never happen again in our country,” he added.
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