Kalonzo: ODM Ministers Accepted Ruto Cabinet Posts Without Raila’s Consent

Kalonzo Musyoka has accused four ODM politicians who joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet of accepting their appointments without the late Raila Odinga’s approval.

Kalonzo made the claim during a rally in Ugunja, Siaya County, arguing that the ministers took up their roles while Raila was abroad, despite earlier plans for Azimio to hold a national convention to select nominees. The officials in question are John Mbadi (National Treasury), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives and MSMEs).

He alleged that President Ruto contacted the four directly and that they accepted the offers without following the process Raila had requested. Kalonzo said Raila had preferred that Azimio propose names through a structured forum, but the appointments proceeded before this could take place.

These remarks revive internal tensions dating back to mid-2024, when the government sought additional expertise after nationwide Gen Z protests. Although Raila had publicly acknowledged approving ODM representatives to support the administration, Kalonzo now claims the decision was not as collaborative as it appeared.

He also said President Ruto had ignored an earlier understanding that half of the Cabinet would be named before consulting Azimio on further appointments.
Kalonzo's comments come weeks after Raila's death in October. In Ugunja, he sought to position himself as the natural successor to the former Prime Minister and urged residents to support Wiper candidate Orodi Odhiambo in the upcoming parliamentary by-election.

He described the contest as both a tribute to Raila and part of his preparation for a 2027 presidential bid. He was accompanied by several United Opposition leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa of DAP–K, who highlighted Kalonzo's long association with Raila and cited his recent gesture of presenting 100 cows to Ida Odinga in Bondo.

Senator Agnes Kavindu also encouraged voters to rally behind Musyoka as a way of sustaining Raila's political legacy. Kalonzo further referred to past threats to Raila's safety, including an incident in which his vehicle was allegedly shot at, and criticised individuals he described as opportunistic for professing loyalty only after his death.

He reiterated the opposition’s “One Term” message, urging supporters to unite to prevent the Kenya Kwanza administration from securing a second term.
The Ugunja seat, left vacant by Wandayi’s move to Cabinet, has attracted 11 candidates from various parties.