Raila Odinga and Martha Karua Clash Over Broad-Based Government

• Mar 27, 2025

Raila Odinga and Martha Karua, once running mates, openly disagreed on the broad-based government issue during a funeral service in Tharaka Nithi County, revealing tensions in their political relationship.

Odinga defended his party’s engagement with President William Ruto's government, emphasizing that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains in opposition. He pointed out that the country's needs are bigger than their differences, reflecting on their shared political journey during the 2022 elections.

However, Karua, a vocal critic of the broad-based government, strongly opposed Odinga's position. She accused him of compromising the opposition’s values by working with the ruling coalition, calling the arrangement unconstitutional.

"The framers of our constitution intended for Kenya to have a multi-party democracy, where the minority and majority sides in Parliament can exist independently," Karua said. "By merging the sides, as in the broad-based government, we lose the ability to challenge the government effectively." She further suggested that Odinga should formalize any alliance with Ruto’s administration through the official political channels, ensuring the agreements are registered with the registrar of political parties.

Odinga, however, denied claims that he had joined the government. He clarified that while the opposition and government both oversee the executive, his role remains that of an opposition leader.

The public disagreement highlighted the growing ideological divide within the opposition, particularly between Odinga and Karua, both of whom had once aligned politically under the Azimio la Umoja coalition. Despite their clash, Karua insisted that their personal relationship remains strong.

"I remain a friend of Baba; he is my brother. But politically, we have agreed to disagree," she said.

Karua reaffirmed her stance in the opposition, continuing to criticize the government’s actions, including issues of corruption and human rights violations. She warned that the broad-based government arrangement weakens the opposition's capacity to hold the executive accountable.

The disagreement between the two leaders has raised questions about the future of Kenya’s political dynamics, especially as shifting alliances and ideological battles shape the country’s direction.

Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria called for unity among leaders, warning against fueling division. He encouraged leaders to support the country’s positive developments without allowing tribal divisions to resurface.