The Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) insistence that it has not struck a political pact with President William Ruto is being viewed as a strategy to ensure it does not lose two plum positions reserved for the opposition in Parliament.
The two positions – which are a preserve of the opposition coalition – are currently held by MPs John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, who will have to resign if approved by Parliament to join the Cabinet.
Legally, ODM is entitled to the positions given that it is the second largest political party after Dr Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Wiper and Jubilee parties have disowned the move by ODM to join government and it is expected that their members would demand the two slots arguing their coalition partner was now part of government.
President Ruto on Wednesday nominated Mr Mbadi, who is also ODM National Chairman, to the National Treasury and Economic Planning docket, Mr Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development). Mr Hassan and Mr Oparanya are both ODM co-deputy party leaders.
‘Joined government as individuals’
Read: Raila Odinga: Man of coalitions does it again with President William Ruto
Mr Sifuna had revealed in the statement that some ODM members were already canvassing for Cabinet and other government appointments.
Azimio blasts Ruto for nominating ODM party leaders to Cabinet
