By Joseph Mutua Ndonga
The acting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Professor Anyang Nyo’ngo has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s broad based government.
In a statement, he said the move by the President was a clear indication he means well for this country.
Peace and unity of our country stood as core virtues that informed the President to form this government. I, therefore, call upon all ODM leaders to support Dr Ruto’s agenda.
Nyo’ngo further stated ODM was looking forward to strengthening its ties with ruling party UDA and if everything goes as planned this would herald to a merger of Kenya’s two leading political parties- United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.
President William Ruto is among the leaders who were on record supporting the idea of merging or unveiling a coalition of purpose.
During his recent tour of Luo Nyanza the President while reiterating his commitment of building a united and peaceful nation once again extended a hand of friendship to ODM.
The other day you saw me in Nairobi unveiling a broad based government and I did this because I believed in leading a government that apart from being steered by professionals reflect the face of Kenya.
I have since brought on board experts from the opposition parties. Today a number of ODM luminaries are holding key positions in my government.
In the same breath, the President took this opportunity to rebuttal claims by his opponents that he is out to kill the opposition and multiparty democracy.
I’m a firm believer in the tenets of democracy and rule of law and you heard me taking every opportunity to champion this course even before I become the President of Kenya.
Many recalled the powerful speech he made at Chatham House in United Kingdom (UK) when he was the Deputy President.
Back to tour of Nyanza, the President praised the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for putting aside political differences and agreeing to work with him for the sake of our country.
He however told the locals that this does not mean ODM would be fold.
ODM will continue to play its role as leading opposition party and UDA will continue to be ruling party.
The experts that Raila gave me joined my government as individuals.
But President Ruto did not rule out the possibility of the two parties merging to form a formidable political vehicle for 2027 polls.
If this would come to pass, It will be wrong to point an accusing finger at President Ruto.
ODM is a democratic party which is anchored on a sound constitution and rules governing its operations.
So, if the party leaders and members opt to form a coalition with UDA they will do that on their own volition.
This mean proposal for the merger/coalition will only become a reality if it is ratified by ODM national delegates conference (NDC).
If ODM will finally merge or form a coalition with Ruto led UDA, this would not mean that the opposition has died.
As we know, Kenya has dozens of duly registered political parties and so the rest will fill the vacuum.
The decision by ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) to pick Nyon’go, the Governor of Kisumu, as the acting party leader was informed by the fact that the party leader Raila Odinga is currently engaged in a vigorous campaign trail. Raila, who is eyeing the coveted seat of Africa Union (AU) Commission chairmanship, attended that meeting.
President Ruto had earlier unveiled Raila’s campaign and this demonstrated the commitment of the Government of Kenya to ensure he cliches the seat.
Dr Ruto took the campaign a notch higher during his recent tour of China. He met and managed to convince a number of Africa leaders attending Forum On China-Africa Corporation to vote for him when elections are held in February next year.
Raila was also present and he took this opportunity to showcase his credentials.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator
