Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday sent a stern warning to a section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party members reportedly planning to join President William Ruto's administration.
In a statement, Odinga clarified the party's position leaned more towards calling for a national conversation to address the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans.
While insisting on the matter, the ODM party leader expressed his support for the youthful protesters who have in the recent past been staging demonstrations to hold the government accountable.
"Our commitment to the causes championed by Gen-Z remains steadfast. These are the same issues we have long been fighting for, including during last year's Maandamano protests," Odinga clarified.
Raila called on the government launch a probe into the deaths of peaceful protesters during the recent demonstrations and compensate families whose members died while picketing.
He also called for the immediate release of all arrested protesters and drop the charges against them.
The former Prime Minister also went ahead to dismiss claims of fronting nominees for cabinet secretary positions in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to Odinga, his stand was for the Kenya Kwanza administration to address all the critical issues before any form of engagement with the opposition party.
"We know exactly where the problems lie in this government and the loopholes that successive governments have exploited to plunder taxpayers' money,” Odinga stated.
“Unfortunately, these problems have resurfaced, and the Gen-Z movement is right to demand an end to them,” he added.
Odinga's clarification comes hours after ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna accused a section of Kenyans of misinterpreting the party's stand on the ongoing crisis in the country.
According to the Nairobi Senator, the party was not in any agreement with the Head of State and that any politician who would join Ruto's government would have done so without the party's approval.
Sifuna similarly faulted some of its members for reportedly misinterpreting the party's stance on the contentious subject.
“As a party, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement,” Sifuna stated.
"The ODM Party remains committed to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya. We will continue to stand with the people and fight for justice.”
