A silent storm is brewing inside Kenya’s so-called broad-based government. Publicly, it is branded as a symbol of unity—a pact between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga to steer the country forward.
But behind closed doors, political fault lines are widening fast. Ruto’s allies are accusing Raila’s inner circle of playing a double game, manipulating the arrangement to weaken the president’s grip on power ahead of the 2027 elections.
With tensions rising and accusations flying, insiders warn of a looming collapse that could tear the political handshake apart and plunge the country back into bitter political rivalry.
Broad-Based Wars Expose Deep Political Fault Lines
Kenya’s broad-based government is on shaky ground. What was meant to be a show of political maturity and inclusivity is quickly turning into a silent war of mistrust and betrayal.
President Ruto’s allies are openly accusing members of Raila Odinga’s camp of political blackmail. They claim ODM is using the cooperation deal not for national unity but to frustrate the President’s agenda and prepare for a hostile takeover in 2027.
The latest flashpoint was a meeting between Raila and DNA party leader Godfrey Kanoti. Although Odinga downplayed it as a simple discussion on national issues, the political undertones were unmistakable.
The DNA party was recently launched as a unifying force for opposition players, and its alignment with ODM has raised red flags.
During DNA’s launch, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni led calls for a coalition modeled after the Narc movement that ended the KANU regime in 2002.
This raised questions: Is Raila truly committed to the cooperation deal, or is he building an anti-Ruto alliance behind the scenes?
Ruto’s allies see this as betrayal. They argue the president extended an olive branch, but Raila’s team is quietly sharpening their political knives. As one Kenya Kwanza insider put it, “You cannot talk of unity by day and conspire against the president by night.”
ODM Leaders Escalate Attacks Against Ruto’s Administration
Tensions have worsened as Raila’s close allies step up criticism of Ruto’s leadership. Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna have been vocal in their opposition to several government policies.
On Tuesday, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o joined the fray, delivering one of the harshest statements yet against the Ruto administration.
He accused the President of undermining devolution and dragging the country back to the authoritarian era of the Nyayo regime.
In a sharp rebuke, Nyong’o claimed the government is reversing gains made under the 2010 Constitution to centralize power and control resources.
He pointed to the management of roads and health as examples. While counties have proven capable of running health systems, the national government struggles even with Kenyatta National Hospital, he said.
He also criticized the government’s move to take over road functions previously under county control. These attacks paint a picture of a growing resistance within the so-called united front.
While Raila continues to preach cooperation, his foot soldiers are tearing into the president’s legacy and policies. For Ruto’s allies, this is proof of a larger plan to discredit his administration while pretending to collaborate.
Ruto Allies Demand Clarity on Raila’s Commitment
Faced with increasing hostility from ODM ranks, Kenya Kwanza leaders are now demanding honesty from Raila.
They argue that the broad-based government cannot function if one side is playing a double game. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently hinted at the frustrations within the ruling coalition, warning that the president’s goodwill should not be mistaken for weakness.
According to sources close to State House, the President has become increasingly concerned about the mixed signals from the opposition. While he remains publicly committed to the cooperation pact, insiders say Ruto is re-evaluating the arrangement.
Some allies are urging him to go back to the drawing board and reconsider the wisdom of a broad-based government if the ODM wing continues to push a hostile agenda.
Meanwhile, within ODM, there is growing confidence that the 2027 race can be won by building a wider opposition alliance. The DNA party, Wiper, Jubilee, and disgruntled UDA defectors could form a potent force if united under a common vision.
But can this happen while Raila remains in a power-sharing deal with Ruto? That is the contradiction many political analysts are pointing out. The broad-based government is starting to look like a shaky ceasefire—one that could break down any moment.
Conclusion
The broad-based wars now unfolding reveal the deep mistrust and silent battles within Kenya’s top leadership.
As Raila’s allies go on the offensive and Ruto’s team cries foul, it’s clear that the handshake of convenience may not survive the heat of raw ambition.
With 2027 looming, the political knives are already out—and the silent war could soon explode into full-blown political warfare.
