The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has revealed that he was initially opposed to the idea of forming a broad-based government.
Speaking during a Sunday night interview, Raila said both he and other Azimio coalition leaders were not in favor of the proposal. However, some leaders from his ODM party supported the move, believing it could help resolve the political deadlock facing the country.
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According to Raila, those ODM members felt that involving new voices in the administration—particularly experts—could introduce fresh perspectives and solutions to national challenges.
He added that Azimio had earlier rejected joining the Kenya Kwanza government because there had been no national dialogue at the time—a process that only began later through the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
“President Ruto announced plans to form an inclusive government by engaging various stakeholders to build consensus. We made it clear we wouldn’t be part of it until there was a public conversation, which didn’t happen. Then Ruto said he would appoint half the Cabinet to avoid a crisis, and he did just that,” Raila said during the NTV interview.
He explained that although he and his Azimio colleagues initially resisted the idea, some ODM members eventually argued that including independent experts—those not aligned with Kenya Kwanza—could help stabilize governance and introduce innovative solutions.
As a result, five of Raila’s close allies were appointed to the Cabinet under the broad-based arrangement. They include:
- Hassan Joho – Mining, Blue Economy & Maritime Affairs
- Wycliffe Oparanya – Cooperatives and MSMEs
- Opiyo Wandayi – Energy
- John Mbadi – National Treasury and EAC
- Beatrice Askul – ASALs and Regional Development
Raila said the appointments were intended to contribute towards resolving key national issues and steering the country forward.
