Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has raised significant doubts about the potential impact of four opposition members nominated by President William Ruto to his cabinet.
Included in Ruto’s second batch of Cabinet Secretary nominees are John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives).
During a panel interview on Daybreak, Sifuna questioned the effectiveness of these nominees if their ideologies and policies do not align with Ruto’s administration.
He specifically questioned whether John Mbadi, nominated for Treasury, could effectively execute Ruto’s bottom-up economic manifesto, which faced heavy criticism from the opposition during the election campaign.
Sifuna emphasized that ODM has not entered into discussions to join the government, stressing that the four nominees will serve independently without the party’s endorsement.
He highlighted concerns about their ability to influence Ruto’s policies, particularly given the reappointment of many former Cabinet Secretaries.
“I have serious reservations about Chairman John Mbadi’s potential impact because he represents a minority view within President Ruto’s government,” remarked Sifuna, expressing dismay at the reappointment of familiar faces who may not be open to reformative discussions.
The nominations require the opposition members to resign from their current political roles.
Amidst these developments, questions have arisen regarding ODM’s official stance in relation to the government.
Sifuna reiterated that the party has not aligned with Ruto’s administration, dismissing speculations suggesting otherwise.
President Ruto’s decision to nominate these key ODM figures has sparked debates within Kenya’s political circles, with some viewing it as a potential shift in the party’s direction.
Sifuna dismissed claims of ODM aligning with the government and criticized the nominees for accepting positions without the party’s consent.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga, whose approval for the nominations is pivotal, has yet to formally respond.
The evolving dynamics between Raila and President Ruto, former allies turned adversaries and now seemingly collaborating, continue to attract scrutiny and criticism within Kenya’s political landscape.
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