Kioni Accuses Raila of Misusing Uhuru’s Name in Government Engagement Narrative

A deepening rift has emerged within Kenya's opposition ranks as Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni criticised Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga over recent claims of bipartisan government collaboration. 

Speaking during a radio interview, Kioni challenged Odinga’s narrative, asserting that it unfairly implicated former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee Party in decisions that led to ODM members accepting government roles. The controversy centres around the growing alliance between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and elements of the opposition, specifically ODM's decision to deploy party experts to government positions to address national challenges. Raila has defended this move as a pragmatic response to last year's political unrest, but Kioni insists that the choices were solely ODM's and should not be retroactively attributed to Uhuru or the Jubilee Party.

"There is a serious problem in the country, but that does not mean we must cheapen political decisions," Kioni said, challenging Raila's suggestion that Uhuru was instrumental in initiating dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza regime. 

"Do not involve Uhuru Kenyatta or the Jubilee Party in that decision," he added, cautioning against the perception that Jubilee was complicit in political compromises that, in his view, weaken the role of a responsible opposition.

Raila, in contrast, maintains that the outreach to President William Ruto stemmed from a moment of national urgency. He recounted how Uhuru had contacted him from the United States, urging constructive dialogue with the Head of State amid escalating anti-finance bill demonstrations. According to Raila, the invitation to meet came directly from Ruto.

"In that charged environment, one of my colleagues, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, called me. He was in the US and suggested that although he knows I don’t want to talk to Ruto, in the interest of the country, I need to find a way of talking to him," Raila explained. He added, "I did not even have to look for Ruto; he asked to come and see me and we agreed that we should talk."

Despite initial reluctance from the broader Azimio coalition, Raila revealed that his party ultimately decided to allow a group of technocrats to join the government, hoping their expertise could contribute to resolving Kenya’s persistent economic and social crises. Figures such as Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, and Beatrice Askul have since been appointed to cabinet roles, marking a significant shift from strict opposition to cooperative engagement.

Raila sought to clarify that the collaboration should not be misinterpreted as a full political merger, stressing its temporary and utilitarian nature. Earlier this year, he and Ruto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering cooperation on pressing national issues. Key provisions of the MOU include the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, efforts to curb youth unemployment, and renewed commitments to the two-thirds gender rule enshrined in the constitution.

"We will use this platform to revisit the constitutional provisions on leadership and integrity, graft, and fundamental rights such as free speech, protests, and assembly, as well as the preservation of the rule of law," Raila stated. 

Raila dispelled speculation about a permanent alignment with the Kenya Kwanza coalition, noting that the understanding is valid only until the 2027 general elections. He emphasised that decisions regarding future political direction would be determined collectively by party members, not solely by his office.

"We have said that we are in the broad-based government until 2027. We did not say that we are going to work with UDA beyond 2027," Raila said. "Those are issues that we will discuss at the appropriate time, and the decision will be made by party members, not Raila Odinga alone."