Confusion has rocked the opposition camp just a month after Raila Odinga signed a pact with President William Ruto to form a broad-based government. While many people celebrated the move at first, it has now started to receive backlash, especially from some of Raila’s closest allies.
These allies are beginning to show signs of doubt and frustration, with many of them admitting they do not understand what was agreed upon in the deal. This uncertainty is creating tension and division within the opposition ranks, particularly in ODM.
Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo has come out openly saying he does not know the details of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed at KICC.
According to him, the process was not transparent and it felt like a public show meant to excite people, yet no one was truly involved in shaping it. Madzayo also raised concerns about the government’s failure to fulfill promises made in the agreement, especially the pledge to compensate victims of police brutality.
He said there is no clear institution tasked with implementing the agreement, which adds to the confusion and makes it look like the pact was only meant for political survival rather than real change.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed similar frustrations. He said many of Raila’s supporters had high expectations from the handshake but are now left feeling disappointed.
Some believed the deal would bring instant benefits such as government contracts or jobs for their relatives. However, none of these things have happened, leaving many people feeling like they were tricked or sidelined in the new arrangement.
On the other hand, some ODM politicians are taking a wait-and-see approach. George Aladwa, who had earlier been critical of such political partnerships, is now urging people to remain calm and observe how things develop.
Others like Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, who used to attack President Ruto, have also started softening their tone. This shift in behavior shows that many leaders are unsure of how to react or position themselves in the new political climate.
According to People Daily, several senior figures in Raila’s camp including Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Governor Gladys Wanga, and MP Junet Mohamed had supported the new political direction when it was first announced.
But now, their voices have gone quiet and their public support for the pact appears to be fading. Even strong voices like George Aladwa, who once threatened to remove Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General, are no longer speaking up with the same energy. This silence and change in tone suggest that the opposition is deeply divided. Some believe the handshake was a smart move to unite the country, while others feel it has weakened ODM and caused mistrust among leaders.
With no clear direction or communication, many supporters are feeling confused and left behind. As things stand now, it is unclear whether the handshake will help Raila’s camp in the long run or simply deepen the cracks that are already showing within the opposition.
