The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth representatives have cautioned former President Uhuru Kenyatta against allegations of attempting to water down former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s imminent deal with President William Ruto.
Addressing the press on Thursday, March 6, the youths accused the former Head of State of allegedly convincing Raila to decline a possible political pact with Ruto.
According to them, despite Uhuru’s initial ties with Raila, the former president never supported the Azimio principal's political ambitions, including his 2022 bid for the presidency.
“We have seen attempts by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta putting too much pressure on Raila Odinga to join them in opposing the current government,” the youths commented.
"We urge Uhuru to leave Raila alone; he had a chance that he did not take, and he showed no goodwill when working with Raila. We urge you to leave Raila alone; we do not want your support,” they added.
Commenting on a possible coalition between Raila and Gachagua, the ODM youths hit out at the former deputy president, accusing him of attempting to lure Odinga into the opposition by promising him Mt Kenya votes.
While criticising Gachagua, the youths called on the former Prime Minister to consider working only with the current administration and not opposition politicians.
"We have noted the efforts of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to lure Odinga to join him, promising to rally Mt Kenya residents to vote for him. We have resolved that we are not joining Gachagua," the ODM youths claimed.
"We are deeply suspicious of Gachagua's agenda and we urge Raila Odinga not to lower his guard by working with Gachagua. Instead, we urge Raila to work with Ruto."
To address the political challenges in the country, the youths called for the speedy and full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Meanwhile, their comments come just hours after Raila dismissed the possibility of working with Gachagua to oppose President Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking in Wajir on Wednesday, March 5, during a consultative forum, the Azimio chief said he could never work with a politician who once wished for his downfall.
Odinga's sentiments hitting out at the former DP received overwhelming praise from the residents who pledged to support him amid plans to formalise the broad-based government with Ruto.
