The Hypocrisy of ODM Politicians: From Opposition to Enablers of the Status Quo

In the aftermath of the 2022 general elections, many Kenyans who supported the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) felt that the country had missed an opportunity for good governance, led by the party’s seasoned leader, Raila Odinga. Despite a hard-fought campaign, ODM was outshone by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, leading to the swearing-in of President William Ruto. As many hoped that the election loss would bring an invigorated, principled opposition, recent developments have caused some to rethink their optimism about ODM's role in shaping Kenya’s future.

Perhaps the most shocking turn of events was Raila Odinga’s sudden rapprochement with President Ruto. What seemed like an unforgivable betrayal to ODM supporters, has since become a cornerstone of the political landscape, as Raila, once the face of a fierce opposition, has entered into a “handshake” agreement with the very man he had vigorously contested in the election. The ramifications of this political pivot have rippled throughout the ODM party, with several prominent figures now occupying key government positions in the Ruto administration.

Politicians who once served as the loudest critics of the Kenya Kwanza government, such as Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho, Oparanya, and John Mbadi, have quietly accepted cabinet positions in Ruto's government. The shift from opposition warriors to government collaborators has raised questions about their true allegiance and motivations. These leaders who once stood firm against corruption, mismanagement, and the struggles of ordinary Kenyans now find themselves in positions where their roles have become more about serving the interests of the President rather than holding the government accountable.

Take, for example, Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi—two men who were once synonymous with speaking truth to power in Parliament. Their speeches were often fiery, calling out the government of the day for its missteps and failures. However, since their appointments, their voices seem to have been muted. Instead of holding the current administration to account, they have embraced the government's controversial tax policies, which many argue are overburdening Kenyans.

Their failure to critique and challenge President Ruto's administration is striking, and it raises the uncomfortable question: were they truly advocating for the people in the past, or was it merely a matter of being in opposition?

Similarly, Hassan Joho, once the revered Governor of Mombasa, is now hardly recognizable in his new role as a Cabinet Secretary. Joho's tenure as governor was marked by his fierce opposition to both President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto, exposing corruption and injustices in the government. He was hailed for his courage and stance, even when facing the wrath of the ruling elite. Yet, now in government, Joho’s vocal advocacy seems to have disappeared. Instead of speaking out for the common mwananchi, he is now seen cheering President Ruto’s every move, even as ordinary Kenyans grapple with inflation, high taxes, and increasing economic hardship.

This drastic shift in the behavior of ODM leaders begs the question: Were they truly fighting for the people, or were they simply vying for power and influence? Were their criticisms of the government sincere, or were they just playing political games, hoping to one day have a seat at the table? In their quest for power, it seems they have forgotten their earlier promises of championing the common citizen's welfare. 

One might argue that Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, has entered a pragmatic arrangement with President Ruto to stabilize the country and ensure a peaceful political climate, but the actions of ODM's other leaders paint a different picture. Rather than using their positions to challenge the overtaxation of Kenyans, they have become complicit in it, abandoning the very people they once claimed to represent. Their newfound allegiance to President Ruto’s government feels like a betrayal to those who once believed that ODM’s leadership would herald a new era of accountability and progress for Kenya.

In essence, the ODM party’s recent political maneuvers reflect the very hypocrisy they once criticized. Their leaders have gone from staunch defenders of the people's rights to willing participants in a government that is making the lives of ordinary Kenyans harder. What many once thought was a temporary strategic move to influence the government has now turned into a full-fledged support of the policies they once condemned.

If ODM had won the 2022 elections and assumed the reins of power, it’s hard to imagine that the situation would be much different. Given their current behavior, it is likely that Kenyans would have suffered even more under their rule, as they seem more interested in maintaining their status and privilege than fighting for the rights of the people.

In conclusion, ODM politicians, once seen as champions of the common man, have revealed themselves to be no different from those they once opposed. Their participation in Ruto’s government, and their silence in the face of rising taxes and government mismanagement, confirms what many now believe: they were never truly fighting for the people. They were simply waiting for their turn to benefit from the power and riches of government. The dream of a better Kenya under ODM leadership now feels like a mirage—a political illusion shattered by the hypocrisy of its own leaders.