Lawyer Willis Otieno has cautioned opposition leader Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) against maintaining their close association with President William Ruto, warning that the partnership could harm the party’s political identity.
In a statement on his official X account, Otieno argued that the relationship between Ruto and Raila has blurred the lines of accountability. According to him, ODM now risks being perceived as co-owners of the government’s failures.
“Raila Odinga and ODM have, knowingly or unknowingly, taken up co-ownership of Ruto’s failures. Politics is driven by perception, and today, many Kenyans believe the burden belongs to both sides. The choice is clear: either sink with Ruto or chart a new path while there is still time,” he wrote.
His warning comes in the wake of the cooperation deal signed between ODM and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on March 7, 2025. The agreement was presented as a framework for consultation on national issues rather than a coalition government. However, it drew mixed reactions. Some leaders welcomed it as a tool to reduce political tension, while others felt it weakened the opposition’s ability to hold the government accountable.
The collaboration was also highlighted when President Ruto actively supported Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson seat. The government mobilised resources and lobbied regional leaders on his behalf. Despite this backing, Raila lost the February 2025 election to Djibouti’s foreign minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, sparking renewed debate about ODM’s political direction.
Otieno’s remarks underscore the growing dilemma for Raila and his party: whether to remain close to government in the spirit of cooperation or to deliberately distance themselves before public perception permanently ties them to Ruto’s administration.
