Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and is Former Running Mate Martha Karua
A public disagreement between veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and his former running mate Martha Karua has revealed a significant rift within Kenya's opposition ranks regarding their approach to engaging with President William Ruto's administration.
The dispute unfolded publicly during a funeral service in Tharaka Nithi County. Odinga defended his engagement with the current government, emphasizing the need for dialogue for national progress, while Karua criticized what she perceives as a compromise of opposition principles, arguing it undermines their ability to hold the government accountable.
"Last election we paired with Karua, we traversed all parts of this country looking for support. You know what happened after the elections. That is water under the bridge. The country is bigger than any of us and must move on," Odinga said.
Odinga, while acknowledging the outcome of the 2022 elections, framed his interactions as a form of oversight aimed at fostering national unity and cooperation, clarifying that his party remains in opposition. Karua took a firm stance against this approach, emphasizing the constitutional mandate for a multi-party democracy with clear distinctions between the majority and minority sides.
"The framers of our constitution found it fit to decree that Kenya would be a multi-party democracy, that in Parliament there will be a minority side and a majority side. But when you merge, as is happening in the broad-based government, you deny people the power to question the government from a position of strength," Karua asserted.
She argued that a "broad-based government" arrangement blurs these lines, diminishing the opposition's capacity to effectively scrutinize government actions. She challenged Odinga to formalize any alliances through the registrar of political parties, adhering to legal procedures. Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has called for unity, conveying concerns that these divisions could exacerbate existing societal tensions.
"Let us also support the good deeds, but let us not return this country to tribal divisions. When you, Karua, join hands with those leaders spreading hatred, you will know every sinner has a future," said Kuria.