Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has criticized ODM leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of playing politics merely for survival and losing his once formidable influence in national politics.
Speaking during a TV interview on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Gakuya claimed Raila has abandoned his traditional role as the opposition’s voice and is instead entangled in contradictory roles. According to him, Raila’s position in both government consultations and minority parliamentary leadership undermines the Constitution.
“The problem is we are mixing our Constitution, which is very clear. We have a National Assembly and Senate. Raila cannot continue being part of the government and still claim to lead the opposition. He is only playing politics for survival,” Gakuya said.
The legislator argued that Raila’s political influence has drastically reduced, limiting him to his traditional strongholds rather than commanding the nation as before. He further urged the ODM leader to choose between being in government or opposition for the sake of clarity and constitutional order.
“That command is gone. Raila is not going to be a factor at all politically. He will only command one area, his region, not the nation,” Gakuya added.
The MP pointed to ODM’s recent support for a UDA candidate in the Malava by-election as proof of Raila’s wavering stance. He maintained that this dual role creates confusion and weakens parliamentary oversight.
However, Raila defended his position during an ODM Parliamentary Group meeting in Machakos on Monday, September 22, 2025. He insisted that the party’s pact with President William Ruto would remain intact until 2027 and dismissed speculation about ODM’s election strategy.
“Look at what we have signed; we must remain as ODM. We agreed that we will work together up to 2027. We have not passed any resolutions on how we are going into the elections,” Raila clarified.
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the debate over Raila’s role in national politics is expected to intensify, with allies and critics sharply divided on his influence and direction.
