Tension is brewing in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party led by Raila Odinga over the proposed broad-based government by President William Ruto.
The Opposition leader had warmed up to Ruto's call for a national dialogue and the formation of a 'government of national unity'.
In the proposed broad-based Government, reports indicate that President Ruto offered Odinga several Cabinet slots which now seem to have split leaders in the Orange party.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 23, Governor James Orengo was the first to fire a salvo at the proposed agreement terming it 'treachery and political cannibalism.'
"Taking a cabinet secretary position in the name of ODM betrays the principles of the Constitution and the progressive movement which the party represents. It's absolute treachery and an act of political cannibalism," Orengo stated.
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Saboti Member of Parliament seemed to agree saying that the former Prime Minister is surrounded by selfish individuals who are now scrambling to join the government.
"When I say Raila has had selfish individuals around him, I mean that every bigwig around him is scrambling to join the cabinet. They don't even care whether Baba gets the AU position or whether he goes home, as long as they join the cabinet. Some are even calling Ruto directly. I think we were never on the same journey," remarked Amisi.
On the other hand, a section of leaders like Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has backed the dialogue call by Raila Odinga.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi openly criticized a faction of Azimio leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka who are opposed to dialogue and the formation of the proposed Government of National Unity while dragging former President Uhuru Kenyatta into the mix.
"I am not persuaded that Uhuru means well for us now. If he wanted to give us leadership, he would have given us leadership in 2022. Some of us today would be Cabinet ministers; I would not be a nominated member of parliament. I am also not persuaded that Kalonzo is taking us anywhere," said Mbadi.
At the same time, while Odinga had initially warmed up to the idea of a dialogue and broad-based Government, the ODM leader on Sunday sent mixed signals after issuing fresh demands before any dialogue with Ruto's government.
The ODM leader categorically stated that his side would not engage with the government unless some of the critical questions were addressed.
Raila demanded that preceding the national convention, the government must compensate every victim of police brutality, dismiss all protest-related cases, and release all abductees and those in jail.
President Ruto has nominated eleven Cabinet Secretaries after dissolving his cabinet and it now remains to be seen who will fill the rest of the positions.
