ODM Youth Condemn Kenyatta's Alleged Pressure on Odinga to Reject Ruto Deal

The youth wing of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has publicly cautioned former President Uhuru Kenyatta against allegedly interfering with ongoing negotiations between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.

During a press conference held on March 6th, the youth representatives accused Kenyatta of pressuring Odinga to reject a potential political agreement with Ruto. The ODM youth voice their discontent with Kenyatta's past support for Odinga, particularly during the 2022 presidential election, claiming that the former president had not genuinely backed Odinga's political ambitions.

They urge Kenyatta to refrain from interfering in the current political landscape. Further complicating the political dynamics, the youth representatives criticize former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for purportedly attempting to entice Odinga into the opposition by promising votes from the Mt Kenya region. They caution Odinga against collaborating with Gachagua and instead emphasize the importance of working with the current administration.

The remarks from the ODM youth come shortly after Raila Odinga dismissed the possibility of collaborating with Gachagua to oppose President Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at a consultative forum in Wajir on March 5, Odinga stated that he would not work with a politician who had previously wished for his downfall.

To address the ongoing political challenges in Kenya, the ODM youth representatives call for the swift and comprehensive implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, believing it holds the key to resolving the country's political issues and fostering unity among its leaders.