An influential figure within the Kenya Kwanza administration has accused three allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga of undermining the broad-based government arrangement.
Vocal Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei alleged that Siaya Governor James Orengo, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna do not support the success of the broad-based government.
In an interview on Citizen TV's Daybreak program on Thursday, April 24, Cherargei claimed that the three leaders have been actively working to undermine President William Ruto’s administration.
“Governor Nyong’o, James Orengo, and Sifuna are undermining the broad-based arrangement,” Cherargei claimed.
“They have tried by all means to undermine the broad-based government, which has undermined its success and stability. Prof. Nyong’o must withdraw his statements and apologise to the President.”
Cherargei's remarks followed a series of sharp criticisms levelled at the government by Orengo, Nyong’o, and Sifuna—comments widely interpreted as a rejection of the broader political cooperation between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The expanded government was formed after a cooperation agreement between Ruto and Raila, leading to the inclusion of some ODM members referred to as experts in various roles, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and advisors.
Within ODM, Senator Sifuna has been vocal in urging the party to maintain its independence rather than aligning uncritically with the ruling administration.
He has stressed the importance of constructive criticism over blind allegiance, and has consistently challenged government policies he views as ineffective.
During a funeral service in Siaya on April 12, Governor Orengo declared that he would not join what he termed the “praise-singing bandwagon” for the current administration.
“I cannot be a praise-singer. We fought for a democratic
constitution where people should speak freely. I urge Kenyans to tell their
leaders the truth. This country will go to the dogs again if the kind of
language we hear continues.
"If anything is brought to Siaya County, it will be as a matter of right, not as a favour,” Orengo said.
“There is a need to fight for your rights if we are to have
a better country.”
Governor Nyong’o, who is leading ODM during Raila’s campaign for the African Union Commission chairmanship, recently claimed devolution was being undermined.
In a statement on April 22, Nyong’o criticised the continued existence of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA), calling them unnecessary and contrary to the spirit of devolution enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.
Pointing to ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector, he questioned the rationale behind the national government retaining control over road funds, noting that counties have proven more capable of managing key devolved functions such as healthcare.
“Counties manage health effectively and efficiently. The national government cannot even manage Kenyatta National Hospital, one of the few health facilities still under its control,” said Nyong’o.
His remarks came shortly after President William Ruto asked Senators and Members of Parliament to authorise him to oversee the disbursement of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
Speaking during a church service in Narok County on April 20, Ruto argued that centralised control would accelerate road construction across the country and improve oversight of the funds.
“If you leave it to me, I can gather enough funds to build all the roads. The money you're distributing now only builds small portions, which are then destroyed by rain,” said Ruto.
“I urge you to allow me to plan for that money in a way that benefits Kenyans more than how it is currently being utilised.”
