Aasai

A section of senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders has firmly endorsed the proposed national conclave by party leader Raila Odinga, urging all political players to embrace intergenerational dialogue as a solution to Kenya’s deep-rooted economic and political problems. The leaders also took issue with opposition figures—particularly former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—whom they accused of fanning tribal divisions and rejecting unity-based proposals without offering credible alternatives.

Speaking during the official launch of the Ratanga Modern Market in Homa Bay County, ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led the charge, saying Gachagua’s brand of politics poses a threat to national cohesion. She accused him of exporting divisive, tribal rhetoric even beyond the countrys borders, following his recent tour of the United States, where he allegedly met only members of his own ethnic community and ignored other Kenyan groups in the diaspora.

“Gachagua is not promoting the interests of the country but those of a small clique. His mission to the US was not national; it was tribal. We cannot build a united Kenya when leaders refuse to rise above narrow ethnic lines,” said Wanga.

Governor Wanga affirmed that ODM was solidly behind President William Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government framework. According to her, the party’s support for the Kenya Kwanza government is based on development goals, not political convenience. “We [ODM] have agreed to work with President William Ruto. We have no apologies. We will support him and support the programs of the government,” she emphasized.

Joining her in backing the national dialogue was Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino, who said that inclusive dialogue was essential in shaping a future that reflects the aspirations of all Kenyans. He noted that the current youth unrest and economic hardships can only be addressed through inclusive, institutional reforms, not confrontation.

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed echoed the same sentiment, calling on the youth to abandon street protests and allow the dialogue initiative to take root. “Demonstrations are not the solution to our challenges. Let us give room for structured national conversation, which can lead to tangible policy change,” she urged.

Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla and Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka also threw their weight behind the dialogue push, saying the proposed conclave offers a rare opportunity to forge consensus across generations and political lines. They praised Raila for taking a leadership role in advocating for unity and progressive national conversations at a time when political temperatures are rising.

Idah Odinga, who was also present, appealed to Luo Nyanza residents and leaders to rally behind the Ruto-Raila alliance, emphasizing that the region stands to gain from meaningful government collaboration. “This is our time to reap the benefits of Raila’s collaboration with Ruto. We must put our differences aside and embrace unity for the sake of development,” she said.

The ODM leaders warned that continued rejection of dialogue by certain factions of the opposition risks isolating communities and stalling national progress. They encouraged all political actors, regardless of affiliation, to support Raila’s national conclave initiative, which is designed to tackle pressing issues such as youth unemployment, economic inequality, and governance reforms.

Their public declaration solidifies ODM’s position within the government’s broader agenda and signifies Raila Odinga’s growing support base for a non-confrontational and inclusive political approach. With tensions rising in various parts of the country due to protests and public dissatisfaction, the national dialogue could become a pivotal moment in shaping Kenya’s post-2022 political realignment.