Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has criticized former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s recent collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration which came as a result of signing of a memorandum of understanding in early March with President Ruto, an event that formalized what has been termed as a “broad-based government.” Ever since the formation of the broad based government there have been political realignments especially in Raila’s strongholds as some of his grassroot leaders feel he has gone silent on the same issues he was advocating for while in opposition.

Speaking on a morning breakfast show on Tv 47, Gakuya said while they have long respected him as a statesman, his move to align with the current government was a betrayal of public trust and driven purely by self interest

“We respect Raila Odinga very much, but joining Kenya Kwanza Gov’t was a big mistake. On this, he only cared about his stomach. There is no way he can redeem himself now,” said James Gakuya.

The vocal MP further highlighted how this move may taint Raila’s legacy emphasizing that the former prime minister has lost his trust with his traditional fanbase. His sentiments were echoed by former Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu who termed Raila’s recent appeal to the government during the national prayer breakfast to compensate victims of 2024 anti-finance bill as simply complicity in the failures of the government and instead the ODM leader should be issuing ultimatums to such crucial issues.

“Raila is singing and dancing to Ruto’s tune everyday. So, he cannot distance himself from the failures of this gov’t. He should give gov’t an ultimatum to compensate victims, not suggest.” said Joe Mutambu.

On the other hand Nominated MP Sabina Chege, acknowledged the need for compensation of victims of 2024 finance bill protests calling for collective effort in settling the matter.

“His call is welcome, I think the government should look at it and I think there are many other issues yet to be resolved which requires collective effort,” said Sabina Chege.

This comments come amid growing discontent among Kenyans about the finance bill 2025 as the National Treasury CS John Mbadi is set to table next financial year’s budget estimates.