Choose between the government and opposition, Gakuya tells Raila

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has slammed ODM leader Raila Odinga for trying to juggle opposition politics and being in government.

The MP argues that the ODM chief cannot continue to lead the minority in the National Assembly while also reaping benefits from government appointments.

Speaking on a local media station on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Gakuya argued that Raila’s ODM-UDA pact goes against parliamentary standing orders.

“There is no way you can have one leg in and one leg out. You must take a clear stand. Raila should vacate his position in the minority leadership because he is no longer in opposition; he is already working with the government,” Gakuya stated.

The legislator further claimed that Raila’s growing influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration is evident in key government appointments, including Cabinet and Principal Secretaries, as well as parliamentary committee leadership.

“You cannot be in the minority leadership while also holding positions in government. The standing orders do not permit this—it is unlawful,” Gakuya asserted.

Over the past few months, Raila Odinga has steadily expanded his influence within President Ruto’s administration, playing a key role in shaping both appointments and policy decisions.

Following the Gen-Z protests in June 2024, the former PM brokered a deal with the president that saw five of his close allies appointed to the Cabinet.

These include Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community).

On March 7, 2025, Raila signed a pact with President William Ruto that will see the ODM and UDA parties share political infrastructure on matters of national interest.

The two parties will also deploy their best experts for consultations on matters concerning the governance of the country.