ODM leader Raila Odinga. Photo/The Standard
By Newsflash Political Desk
ODM leader Raila Odinga has come out strongly in defense of Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, amid rising tensions over the implementation of devolution and mounting criticism from Kenya Kwanza leaders.
Speaking during a funeral in Homa Bay on Friday, April 25, Raila accused President William Ruto’s administration of failing to uphold the spirit of devolution as outlined in the 2010 Constitution.
Raila’s remarks followed days of political back-and-forth after Orengo and Nyong’o publicly accused Ruto of stifling devolution. Orengo declared that he could not “sing-praise Ruto,” while Nyong’o warned that Kenya was regressing to the days of the Nyayo regime, known for its centralized governance.
Defending the two governors, Raila stated, “When Mr James Orengo talks, he is talking on the basis of an MoU between ODM and UDA. Orengo has not committed any crime. He has a democratic right to say what he was saying. When Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o speaks about devolution, he is talking in the language of ODM.”
The ODM leader emphasized that the current political arrangement between his party and UDA is not a coalition but a policy-driven partnership grounded in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in broad daylight. He noted that six out of ten points in the MoU focus explicitly on issues related to governance, devolution, and development.
“There’s no coalition between ODM and UDA,” Raila clarified. “It is an arrangement based on an MoU. That’s why I don’t see why people are bickering.”
Raila also lamented that devolution has not been implemented as envisioned, arguing that counties have been given responsibilities without corresponding resources.
“You have devolved some responsibilities, but you have not devolved the funds to give counties the financial power to implement those functions,” he said. “That is why people have not reaped the benefits of devolution.”
Kenya Kwanza hits back
Raila’s remarks appeared to respond to criticism from Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who earlier rebuked the two governors for attacking the president. Cherargei termed their comments “reckless and ungrateful,” accusing them of undermining development partnerships between the national and county governments.
However, political analysts say the brewing devolution dispute reveals deeper cracks within the informal arrangement between ODM and the ruling alliance.
Read more:Will Orengo & Sifuna survive ODM onslaught?
“This is not just about devolution,” said Winnie Malombe, a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Nairobi. “It’s a reflection of the tension between Raila’s attempt to strike a working relationship with Ruto and the resistance from his base, especially from regions where governors feel abandoned or underfunded.”
According to Dr Malombe, Raila’s stance is consistent with his long-standing advocacy for devolution, but it also puts him in a delicate position as he balances political diplomacy with his party’s grassroots frustrations.
“Orengo and Nyong’o are not just governors—they are senior figures in ODM. When they raise concerns, it signals institutional dissatisfaction, not just personal opinions,” she added.
Raila explains ODM-UDA pact
Raila, in his address, also took time to lecture critics on the nature of Kenya’s presidential system, drawing parallels with the United States to explain ODM’s relationship with Ruto’s administration.
“We are a democratic country. Everyone has a right to speak,” Raila said. “Having a partnership does not mean that we have entered into government. In the U.S., you may have a Democratic government with Republican ministers, or vice versa. That doesn’t mean there is a coalition.”
He further explained: “We don’t have opposition and government benches in our system. We have Parliament as an institution. Parliament oversights the government. The Executive implements policies. Parliament passes laws, and the Judiciary interprets them.”
Samuel Mwangi, a governance expert, said Raila’s explanation may be accurate from a constitutional point of view, but politically, it risks confusing his base.
Read more:Nyong’o attack rattles Ruto camp
“ODM supporters are not sure if they are in opposition or in government. Raila is trying to maintain relevance and influence, but his message must be clearer,” said Mwangi. “The bigger issue, however, is that the promise of devolution is being eroded, and governors feel they are being set up to fail.”
As the debate over devolution and the ODM-UDA arrangement intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Raila can hold together a party increasingly divided over its future direction—particularly with the 2027 elections looming.
