Nuru Okanga, a staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the recent political agreement between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
Speaking in an interview with a YouTube channel, Okanga described the pact as a significant mistake by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader. He accused Raila of leveraging his supporters for political gain while failing to consider the impact of his decisions on those who have stood by him over the years.
Okanga Condemns Raila’s Political Strategy
Okanga did not hold back in his criticism, claiming that Raila has repeatedly used his loyal supporters to secure political power but abandoned them once he achieved his objectives.
“The mistake Raila has made today is unforgettable in Kenya’s political history. He has used us like disposable tissues or pads—once done, he throws us away. We cannot accept this,” Okanga lamented.
He emphasized that ODM and President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition should function separately, even if they collaborate to implement key electoral promises.
Growing Division Among Azimio Supporters
Okanga’s remarks reflect a growing dissatisfaction among Raila’s supporters, many of whom feel that the opposition leader is repeatedly engaging in political compromises without consulting his base. He further criticized the idea of regular political handshakes, arguing that they weaken the role of the opposition and create confusion among voters.
“Azimio should remain independent, and UDA should manage their own affairs. We all understood that Ruto was elected President, so why should there be continuous handshake deals? Why does he keep seeking unity agreements every election cycle?” Okanga questioned.
Raila Defends Agreement with Ruto
Despite the criticism, Raila Odinga has maintained that his agreement with President Ruto is not a political merger but a structured collaboration aimed at addressing national concerns. He assured his supporters that the deal does not mean ODM is joining Kenya Kwanza, but rather, it is an effort to push for key reforms, including electoral transparency and constitutional amendments.
During a recent address, Raila reiterated that the agreement is meant to address governance issues and ensure that institutions like the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are restructured to improve future elections.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts argue that Raila’s move may be strategic, positioning him for future influence. However, they acknowledge that his supporters, particularly those aligned with the Azimio coalition, feel betrayed by the unexpected agreement.
“Raila’s history of handshake politics has always sparked mixed reactions. While some see it as a way to promote peace and stability, others believe it compromises the core principles of opposition politics,” said a Nairobi-based political expert.
Impact on Kenyan Politics
The Raila-Ruto agreement could reshape Kenya’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections. If Raila continues to cooperate with the government, it may weaken opposition efforts and influence voter perception in future elections.
Meanwhile, supporters like Nuru Okanga are expected to continue expressing their frustrations, potentially leading to a shift in political allegiances. Whether Raila can maintain the trust of his base while engaging with President Ruto remains to be seen.
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