Initially, Raila, alongside his ODM party, looked set to join Ruto’s government in broad daylight. Ultimately, when the list was finally released, it became clear that the earlier statements from the ODM leadership had been part of managing the public narrative to minimise the backlash. Indeed, if you exclude Raila himself and SG Sifuna, these four gentlemen were the top brass of ODM. It is inconceivable for them to therefore dismiss the ODM leadership as “not part of us”, then proceed to bemoan the latter’s actions. Overall, however, the departure of such a large number of long-serving officials from the ODM party has given it a priceless opportunity to recalibrate its politics and seek a fresh start.
