Raila Odinga, the longtime champion of democracy and justice in Kenya, is facing one of the toughest moments in his political life. His recent political handshake with President William Ruto has sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Once seen as a strong opposition leader, Raila is now being viewed by many as someone who is compromising for personal gain. Although he claims the partnership with Ruto is about national interests, critics say it is weakening his party ODM and slowly killing his political legacy.
Some top ODM leaders like Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and James Orengo have openly opposed the union. They say the handshake is a betrayal to Kenyans who believed Raila would always fight the government’s failures. Orengo, once a close ally, has even faced isolation for standing against the move.
Supporters of Raila in his strongholds like Nyanza and Western Kenya are slowly drifting away. Some ODM leaders are already joining Ruto directly or indirectly through this partnership. In places like Kisii, ODM’s grip is clearly loosening.
Analysts believe Ruto’s strategy is working. By bringing Raila closer, he has isolated him from former allies like Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua. The move has also created confusion and divisions within ODM itself.
Dr. Isaac Gichuki, a political expert, says Raila’s image as a hero of democracy is being erased. People, especially the youth who protested against Ruto’s government, now question why Raila supports the same regime they blamed for police brutality and heavy taxes.
Raila now has the tough job of proving he still has influence, that he truly cares about the people, and that he can unite his party again. Without that, analysts warn he may go down in history as a leader whose legacy was undone by a clever opponent using charm and political tactics.
What was meant to be a strategic alliance may end up being the final nail in the coffin of Raila’s long, fiery political journey.
By Kenyans