Cherargei blasts ODM for undermining Raila-Ruto deal

Political tensions in Kenya are escalating following a scathing attack by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, who accused top ODM officials of sabotaging the partnership between President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga.

Cherargei’s remarks follow a contentious letter issued by Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, which has triggered strong reactions across the political divide.

While appearing on Citizen TV on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a vocal ally of the ruling coalition, took aim at Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, accusing them of attempting to derail the inclusive government framework between President Ruto and Raila Odinga.

Drawing on a metaphor, Cherargei said, "If a hippopotamus tells you the crocodile is unwell, there’s little left to add," suggesting that even fellow leaders recognize Nyong’o’s approach as shallow and populist.

He dismissed the governor’s recent letter as lacking merit, calling it "pedestrian" and rooted in political showmanship.

He went on to brand Nyong’o, Orengo, and Sifuna as deliberate saboteurs of the broad-based governance deal, blaming them for destabilizing key development efforts underway in the Nyanza region.

The Nandi Senator voiced his disappointment over what he described as a lack of appreciation from ODM leaders, despite the gains the Nyanza region has made through the Raila-Ruto alliance.

Cherargei dismissed Kisumu Governor Nyong’o’s recent criticisms, pointing instead to the visible benefits the region has enjoyed under the current political arrangement.

In a lighthearted jab, he noted that government funds "sleep" in Nyanza—referring to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who comes from the region.

He listed key appointments and development initiatives, such as the late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and Mbadi’s own senior role in government, as evidence of Nyanza's significant inclusion.

“He’s talking about a return to the Nyayo era, yet for the first time, Nyanza has received major development projects. First, it has secured top-level appointments—including the late CDF Ogolla, may his soul rest in peace," Cherargei quipped.

"Second, the region now has the Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, and even the Cabinet Secretary in charge of money, John Mbadi. That means the money is sleeping in Nyanza."

On a more serious note, Cherargei called on Governor Nyong’o to apologize, accusing him of attempting to blackmail the president.

He further urged Raila Odinga to rein in ODM leaders who he believes are undermining the unity arrangement.

"Governor Nyong’o, Governor Orengo, and Senator Sifuna must stop blackmailing the president. And with due respect, I ask His Excellency Prime Minister Raila Odinga to speak out and hold these leaders accountable for their persistent and disruptive political blackmail," Cherargei asserted.

The standoff was sparked earlier in the week by a letter dated April 22, 2025, in which Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o raised alarm over what he described as a systematic erosion of devolution by the national government.

In the letter, Nyong’o criticized what he saw as deliberate efforts to sideline county governments, especially in sectors where they hold constitutional mandates.

He pointed to the road sector as a prime example, questioning the continued existence of agencies like the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA), which he argued contradict the spirit of full devolution.

Nyong’o further expressed concern over healthcare management, asserting that county governments had demonstrated greater efficiency in running health services.

He cited the struggles faced by the national government, particularly at Kenyatta National Hospital, as evidence that decentralization in the health sector had been more successful under county control.