By Dorothy Musyoka
Opposition party leader Raila Odinga has asserted that neither his Orange Democratic Movement party(ODM) nor the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has made any agreements with President William Ruto’s government, despite inclusion of four of Odinga’s allies in his list of new Cabinet nominees on Wednesday.
President Ruto on Wednesday made his final list of Cabinet nominees which saw four ODM members secure positions in the new slot of his appointed cabinet secretaries.
The head of state recommended ODM chairman and nominated MP John Mbadi to head the National Treasury, while National Assembly Minority Leader and Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi to manage the Energy docket.
The president also nominated former Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho to take charge of the Mining and Blue Economy and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya nominated to lead in Cooperatives and MSME Development.
In a press statement by the opposition party leader Raila Odinga,there is no any agreement has been made between the party and the ruling party.
“As articulated in our statement on Tuesday July 23,2024,neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto’s UDA Party.We had anticipated the crafting of clear terms of engagement based on issues we raised in our various communiques,” said Hon. Odinga.
However the opposition party leader wished the best to the nominees adding that they will positively contribute for national development under the party’s conditions.
“While we extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development, we continue to advocate for a national engagement under the conditions we have previously outlined as below:compensation to the families of the victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year, release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year and prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors,” stated opposition party leader.
The ODM party leader further reiterated the party’s committment to its core principles which he says will guide their actions and decisions in improving the nation.
“ODM remains steadfast in upholding its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice.These principles shall at all times guide our actions and decisions as we strive for the betterment of our nation,” added Hon.Odinga.
This comes hours after ODM Party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna called for resignation of the four cabinet nominees as their nomination is against the party’s policy.