Amid recent developments, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga has called out coalition leaders who she claims are attempting to undermine the former Prime Minister's authority.
In a press briefing held on Monday, August 19, 2024, Wanga made it clear that ODM would not tolerate any actions aimed at weakening Raila’s position as the leader of the opposition coalition.
Her statements came after reports surfaced that some leaders within Azimio la Umoja were pushing to replace Raila as the coalition's leader, citing his perceived alignment with President William Ruto’s government.
Gladys Wanga, a vocal supporter of Raila Odinga, was unequivocal in her defense of his leadership.
She expressed her dissatisfaction with some of Azimio’s constituent parties, accusing them of using recent appointments of ODM members to President Ruto's Cabinet as an excuse to question Raila's loyalty to the opposition cause.
“The questioning of ODM and Raila Odinga's commitment to the Opposition is in bad faith. Our partners are not acting in good faith.
They are hiding behind the appointment of four gentlemen to the Cabinet and using it to try and wrestle the leadership of the houses of parliament from ODM,” Wanga stated during the briefing.
Wanga argued that such tactics are an attempt to manipulate Raila into endorsing certain individuals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She warned that ODM would not allow Raila to be used as a "human shield" by those seeking to secure their political futures at the expense of unity within the coalition.
The tension within Azimio la Umoja has been building for some time, with different factions expressing differing views on how the coalition should move forward.
The latest friction appears to stem from a perceived shift in Raila's stance, with some leaders accusing him of getting too close to the ruling government.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been particularly vocal, suggesting that Raila's recent interactions with President Ruto make his position as the head of the opposition untenable.
Kalonzo, a key figure within Azimio, hinted that the coalition’s governing council might soon convene to discuss the possibility of changing the leadership in Parliament.
This has not sat well with ODM, which holds the majority of Azimio's parliamentary seats. Wanga emphasized that ODM remains the strongest party within the coalition, and as such, it should naturally maintain leadership positions in Parliament.
“The House leadership is about numbers in the house and not those in government. As we speak, ODM has the highest number of MPs professing and committed to Azimio's ideals and principles,” she said.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the Azimio la Umoja Kenya Coalition faces a critical test of unity. Raila Odinga, a seasoned politician with a long history of leadership, has been at the forefront of the opposition for many years.
However, his continued role as the leader of the coalition is now being questioned, partly due to the evolving political landscape.
ODM’s decision to back Raila amidst these challenges underscores the party’s commitment to his leadership. Wanga’s remarks indicate that ODM is prepared to confront any attempts to destabilize Raila’s influence within the coalition.
“We will not accept any continued attempts to use Raila Odinga as a human shield, any continued attempt to arm-twist him into endorsing anybody at this stage, or any continued attempt to use him as an excuse for the failure of leadership in individual constituent parties of Azimio,” Wanga declared
As ODM stands firm in its support for Raila, the broader Azimio coalition must now navigate its internal disputes carefully.
The upcoming meetings within the coalition's governing council will likely be crucial in determining whether Azimio can remain united or if it will fracture under the weight of these disagreements.
Kalonzo Musyoka's suggestion to reconsider Raila's leadership adds a new layer of complexity to the coalition's internal dynamics.
Whether or not the coalition will choose to retain Raila as its leader will depend on how these discussions unfold in the coming weeks.
ODM has made it clear that any decisions regarding leadership within the coalition should be made with respect for the party’s contributions and strength within Parliament.
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