The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga has told off a section of Azimio leaders for criticizing the party over allegations of working with President William Ruto’s government.

In a statement on Monday August 19, 2024, Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay governor explained that there is no agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza that makes the two joint partners in government.

“As a party, we will not agree to engage with anyone acting in bad faith and with ulterior motives. On the matter at hand-the questioning of ODM and Rt. Hon Raila Odinga’s commitment to opposition-our partners are not acting in good faith,” stated Gladys Wanga.

“ODM will continue to play its minority role alongside other parties to push for accountability, transparency, equity and delivery of services to the people of Kenya  in a cost-effective manner,” she added.

The ODM chairperson explained that it was regrettable that some Azimio leaders were questioning the place of ODM in Azimio and its commitment to playing its role as an opposition party.

“We would not take seriously such utterances were they not directed as they are now, at the ODM Party leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who is also the leader of Azimio. 

“Someone in Azimio is trying to question Raila Odinga’s commitment to holding the government to account,” she explained.

Allegations of ODM joining President Ruto’s government started in July 2024 after four ODM officials joined the Kenya Kwanza administration as cabinet secretaries in a broad-based government.

“In response to a national emergency and the need to steady the nation, ODM agreed to release, in their individual capacities, the members who had been tapped by the president.

“These are former Deputy Party Leaders Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, former National Chairman John Mbadi and former Secretary for Political Affairs Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi and former member of the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee Ms. Batrice Askul,” she stated.

According to the ODM chairperson, the former party officials joined the government not as representatives of the party but as individuals whom the president felt have the capacity to add value to his administration and help the country achieve desired goals.