Kenyans Demands Raila's Action Amid Medics Strike, Fertiliser Scandal

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has recently taken a more reserved approach to addressing the shortcomings of the current Kenya Kwanza administration.

While issues such as the ongoing health workers' strike, escalating road accidents, and the investigation into counterfeit fertilizers by Parliament would typically prompt vocal criticism from Odinga, he has delegated these responsibilities to others within his party. Instead, his focus has shifted toward his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission. In the past, Odinga would have issued strong statements and demanded the resignation of officials like the Transport Cabinet Secretary and Kipchumba Murkomen over the rising number of fatal road accidents.

According to data from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), there have been over 1,200 deaths from road accidents since January, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023 which recorded 537 deaths. While the number of deaths among motorcyclists and pillion passengers has decreased, the number of passenger deaths has increased by 11, reaching a total of 109. The ongoing health workers' strike has had a detrimental impact on Kenyans, particularly pregnant women who cannot afford private maternity facilities and patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer who are unable to access specialist care.

In developing countries like Kenya where infrastructure and socioeconomic conditions are still progressing, strikes by doctors leave no alternative for emergency services in public healthcare facilities, exacerbating the consequences of service disruptions. Odinga has refrained from speaking directly on these issues, instead relying on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party officials to convey his message. Approximately two months ago, he initiated a campaign targeting Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and the Principal Secretaries, expressing dissatisfaction with the dismissal of Public Health PS Josephine Mburu and stating that the CS carried the most responsibility for issues within her jurisdiction.

In the past, Odinga has criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration on various fronts, including the alleged failure to distribute all the funds intended for students in public schools. In February, the Azimio leader blasted the strain in diplomatic relations between Kenya and East African Community (EAC) member states, and the lacklustre response to the devastating floods in the country. Political analysts believe that Odinga's current stance is caught between fulfilling his opposition role and appeasing President Ruto since the government has fronted him for the AUC chairmanship project.

With the Kenya Kwanza administration in control, Odinga cannot criticize those who support him, leading to a rise in young leaders stepping up to become the people's guardians in his absence.