ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended his party’s working relationship with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the move prevented Kenya from tipping into full-scale crisis during the 2024 unrest.
Speaking during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting ahead of the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the former Prime Minister recalled how the country came dangerously close to collapse during last year’s mass protests.
“About a year ago, we came together with UDA to help steady the ship of the Kenyan nation, which had been hit by extreme turbulence and was staring at collapse,” Odinga said.
He pointed to the June 2024 demonstrations, where the deployment of the military signaled how precarious the moment had become. “The military were on the streets. They were civil to wananchi at that time, but only because they had not been given instructions. Once instructions are given, they execute and we were almost there,” he noted.
According to Odinga, ODM’s choice to close ranks with UDA was not about political convenience but about safeguarding the country. “We said it’s better to have a civil state where leadership comes through the ballot and not the bullet. That’s why we chose to cooperate,” he explained.
He maintained that the partnership has since delivered stability. “So far, our core agenda has been achieved. We beat back chaos, restored peace, and created an environment where we can disagree without the threat of collapse,” he said.
Odinga added that ODM will always place national interest above party rivalry.
