RESIGN, QUIT OR RESPECT PRESIDENT RUTO

Tensions have been escalating within the broad-based government as some of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers exchange sharp words with their ODM counterparts. The most recent words by a member of the UDA pact has just revealed an impending fallout.

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, a staunch ally of President Ruto, has called out members of the ODM party for what he termed as playing opposition politics while still part of the government. He urged them to formally exit the coalition instead of criticizing the administration from within.

Jhanda’s remarks come in response to growing dissent from ODM lawmakers, particularly Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who recently declared that the party would not shy away from confronting state excesses — especially police brutality — despite being in government.

Millie was recorded stating that her party was committed to “championing the interests of Kenyans within the precincts of power” and had no intention of pulling out of the partnership.

However, her comments have not sat well with some in the Kenya Kwanza wing of government. Jhanda, clearly irked, fired back at the ODM faction, demanding that those uncomfortable with the arrangement step aside.

"ODM should not threaten or lecture us on how to run the Government or human rights issues. They have never won any elections. If they’re uncomfortable in the broad-based government, then they should move out fast. We won the elections without you. Ask your ministers to resign, and then we shall take you serious. Otherwise keep quiet and respect President William Ruto," Jhanda said.

He further called on Cabinet Secretaries appointed from the ODM side to resign if they were not fully supportive of the government’s agenda.

The partnership between Ruto and Raila was sealed in March, 2024, with the two leaders agreeing to collaborate on a signed Memorandum of Understanding— which included ending extrajudicial killings, compensating victims of police violence, lowering the cost of living, and strengthening devolution.

ODM leaders have in recent weeks raised concerns about government overreach, particularly on issues related to police conduct during protests.

The friction intensified after President Ruto, while speaking in Nairobi, directed the police to deal firmly with violent protesters, stating that some had infiltrated demonstrations with the intent to destroy property and take lives. He instructed police to “shoot the culprits in the leg” if necessary.

That directive drew a sharp rebuke from Raila Odinga, who condemned the move as unconstitutional and dangerous.

Raila said such statements were a “dangerous departure from the rule of law” and could open the door for abuse of power by law enforcement. He warned against granting police “illegitimate and deadly powers over citizens, especially during times of civil unrest,” and emphasized the need to follow due process, even when dealing with offenders.

The ODM leader urged the state to respect constitutional safeguards and to prosecute lawbreakers through legal means rather than resorting to excessive force.

With both sides holding firm on their positions, the uneasy truce that marked the beginning of the Ruto-Raila cooperation now appears to be under strain — raising questions about how long the alliance can hold amid growing mistrust and competing priorities.