ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga has firmly clarified that his party is not in any form of political coalition with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking at a solemn funeral ceremony in Karachuonyo Constituency, Mr. Odinga emphasized that the ODM-UDA relationship is guided purely by a policy-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 7, 2025, at the KICC, Nairobi.
“We did not sign a coalition agreement with UDA. What we have is a structured understanding focused on issues affecting Kenyans not positions, not politics,” Mr. Odinga said during the funeral service of Mama Preskila Koyo, widow to the late Luo Council of Elders Chairman Ker Koyo Opien.
The former Prime Minister dismissed claims that ODM has ‘joined government’ as misleading and politically motivated.
According to him, the cooperation seeks to unify the country, bridge divides, and ensure service delivery without the noise of partisan rivalry.
“Let me be clear this is not a marriage. It’s a handshake on matters of national interest. In mature democracies, cross-party collaboration happens all the time. Even during President Biden’s term, Republicans served in his administration.
The same applies to President Trump’s tenure where Democrats played key roles,” he remarked.
Mr. Odinga explained that the ten-point MoU between ODM and UDA provides a platform for engagement on pressing issues such as equitable resource distribution, constitutional governance, and strengthening devolution.
“This isn’t about sides. Parliament is not a boxing ring of opposition and government. It’s an institution of the people for oversight, for legislation. Our agreement reflects this spirit,” he said, urging critics to move beyond traditional political labels.
Referencing recent statements by ODM governors and leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu’s Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Odinga said their remarks are not acts of rebellion but reflections within the framework of the MoU.
“They speak from a place of principle, not defiance. It’s their democratic duty to call out what doesn’t work,” he explained.
Devolution, a cornerstone of the 2010 Constitution, was a major concern in his address.
Mr. Odinga accused the national government of stifling county progress by holding back critical funds, especially in the health sector.
“How can the national government withhold over Sh100 billion for a devolved function like health? That’s not just unconstitutional it’s unjust,” he lamented.
On infrastructure, he challenged the continued centralization of road development agencies, arguing that counties should now take over rural road management.
“I created KURA, KERRA, and KENHA when we had a centralized system. Today, with devolution in place, those resources should go directly to counties,” he said.
He also reiterated his long-standing opposition to the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), calling for its dissolution and reallocation to county governments.
“There’s no room for compromise on this. The NG-CDF undermines the spirit of devolution. Let that money support county-based projects,” Odinga stated.
In conclusion, he urged media outlets to practice responsible journalism, emphasizing the importance of clarity and truth in national discourse.
“Our people deserve the truth. Let’s not fuel confusion with half-truths and headlines that serve politics over facts,” he appealed.
The message from Karachuonyo was unmistakable: ODM is walking with UDA for the good of Kenya, not for political gain.
