Senior leaders of Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have called on their supporters to stay away from anti-government demonstrations, citing the party’s ongoing cooperation with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Woman Representative Joyce Osogo, Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, and nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola said the party’s alliance with the government is focused on development, not confrontation, and warned against pressure to reignite protests.
“Many of ODM supporters have protested in the country for so long and this time round, they have remained aback. We’re working with the Kenya Kwanza government under a broad base, hence we can’t hold anti-government protests,” Wanga said.
The remarks came during the launch of a KSh28 million modern market at Ratang’a trading centre in Ndhiwa, a project built through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund in collaboration with Osogo’s office. Wanga accused rival opposition groups of trying to undermine ODM’s government partnership.
“They just want us to quit the broad-based government so that they can replace us. We’re telling our supporters not to buy their ideas,” she said. “‘Ruto-must-go’ is not an agenda that can transform any lives in this country.”
Osogo echoed Wanga’s stance, asserting that protests will not address Kenya’s pressing challenges. “The demonstrations being undertaken by the opposition cannot solve any problems in this country. The dialogue which Raila has proposed is the best way to go,” she said, urging the youth to embrace peace for economic growth.
Owino also appealed for talks to resolve national concerns. “The dialogue is very important and should be understood clearly. Let our young people embrace the dialogue to enable us to get a common ground for solving the issues affecting us,” he said.
Ida Odinga, wife of ODM leader Raila Odinga, reinforced the call for cooperation, stressing that the broad-based government would deliver development and economic opportunities. “Let us make use of the broad-based government so that we can grow economically,” she said.
ODM’s leadership has made it clear: demonstrations are off the table, and dialogue remains the party’s preferred route to address Kenya’s political and economic issues.
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