The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Kenya’s leading opposition party, has firmly denied engaging in negotiations with President William Ruto’s government for any coalition or political arrangement.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna reaffirmed the party’s commitment to pushing for a national dialogue to address the country’s ongoing crisis, while setting clear preconditions for such talks.
The statement comes amid growing speculation about potential realignments in Kenya’s political landscape, with rumors circulating about ODM’s possible rapprochement with the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance. Sifuna’s declaration aims to put these rumors to rest, emphasizing the party’s unwavering stance on key national issues.
“As a Party, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement,” Sifuna stated, adding a stern warning to party members: “Any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the Party.”
The ODM, led by veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, has been at the forefront of calls for addressing what it terms as “longstanding governance issues” in Kenya. The party’s position, as outlined in the statement, includes demands for compensation to victims of alleged extra-judicial killings, release of protest-related detainees, and prosecution of police officers accused of using excessive force against demonstrators.
Sifuna emphasized the party’s consistent stance on these matters, referencing recent party meetings and public statements by Odinga. “Our commitment to this cause is steadfast, as we recognize the urgent need for transformative change in our nation,” he said.
The statement also addressed accusations of the party’s alleged inconsistency on national dialogue, with Sifuna asserting, “The accusation therefore that the party has prevaricated or flip-flopped on the matter is totally false.”
ODM’s insistence on preconditions for dialogue, including the sacking of Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, underscores the deep-seated tensions between the opposition and the government. These demands reflect broader concerns about police conduct and human rights issues that have been a focal point of opposition criticism.
