How NIS 'saved' Ruto in impeachment risk

By Newsflash Reporter

President William Ruto was reportedly cautioned by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) against allowing the opposition to take control of the National Assembly’s Majority Leader position.

According to a report on The Standard newspaper on Monday, 24 March 2025, intelligence reports suggested that such a move could destabilize government operations and potentially expose the President to impeachment threats.

This advisory came in the wake of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship, which prompted his party to push for more influence in government.

Ruto’s allies raise concerns

A Rift Valley MP, known to be a close confidant of the President, revealed that intelligence briefings had strongly discouraged Ruto from ceding control of Parliament. “The intelligence warned that allowing ODM to take the Majority Leader position could paralyze the government and create an avenue for impeachment,” the MP disclosed.

Additionally, a senior aide at State House confirmed that Ruto was advised to maintain parliamentary dominance while strategically engaging Odinga to prevent political fallout.

ODM’s demands and the High Court ruling

The situation intensified after a High Court ruling reinstated the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition as the Majority party in Parliament. In response, ODM ramped up its demands, calling for the Majority Leader position, additional Cabinet appointments, and Principal Secretary slots.

However, intelligence reports urged Ruto to resist these demands, particularly the push for the Majority Leader post, given its critical role in driving government business, including the passage of the national Budget.

Power-sharing deal to avoid political fallout

To prevent a potential power struggle, the President opted for a compromise. Instead of relinquishing the Majority Leader seat, Ruto reportedly brokered a deal allowing ODM to lead several key parliamentary committees.

As part of the arrangement, Butere MP Tindi Mwale was appointed as the chair of the influential Public Accounts Committee (PAC), while other ODM lawmakers were placed in leadership positions within critical committees.

Reactions to the intelligence briefing

The NIS’s role in advising the President has sparked mixed reactions. Some observers argue that the agency played a crucial role in preventing a political crisis, while others believe its influence on political decisions raises concerns about democratic processes.

Political analyst Herman Manyora weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Odinga had leveraged the opportunity to secure power but could still shift his approach depending on public sentiment. “Raila understands the political landscape well. If he feels public opinion is against this arrangement, he could easily realign,” Manyora noted.

ODM issues warning

Meanwhile, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna cautioned that the party would reconsider its participation in the agreement if the government failed to fulfill its promises. “We entered this deal in good faith, but if they don’t deliver on what was agreed, ODM will pull out,” Sifuna warned.

What lies ahead

With this delicate power-sharing arrangement in place, all eyes are on Ruto’s next moves. His ability to maintain control in Parliament while keeping ODM satisfied will be critical in determining whether this deal fosters stability or fuels new political tensions in the coming months