The Orange Democratic Movement of Kenya (ODM) currently finds itself at a critical juncture, debating assumption of cabinet positions in President William Ruto’s beleaguered administration. As a constituent of the Azimio Coalition, ODM’s move has elicited fierce opposition from coalition members who perceive this alliance as a betrayal of the Kenyan populace. The party is internally divided, with some members advocating for the cabinet positions and others decrying it as a profound betrayal of their struggle. To comprehend this schism, one must delve into the underlying ideological currents that shape ODM’s politics.
Fundamentally, ODM’s political ideology is indistinguishable from that of UDA, Azimio, Narc-Kenya, Jubilee, Wiper, and prominent figures like Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga — all of whom espouse capitalist principles. Despite not being in government, ODM parliamentarians and key figures epitomize the “ruling class,” a term frequently conflated with the “political class” by those less ideologically conscious. Their seamless transitions between government and opposition roles underscore their opportunistic tendencies. Publicly, these politicians profess to champion the interests of “the masses,” yet their actions reveal a self-serving agenda, focusing on personal and familial enrichment.
This self-serving behavior extends to their tribal affiliations, often justified by proclamations like “We Luos have never been in government,” which ultimately serve to advance individual rather than communal interests. Such statements are a smokescreen, obscuring the true nature of their political maneuvers. Once in power, these leaders prioritize their immediate families over the constituents they purport to represent, demonstrating the hollow nature of their populist rhetoric. Given this inherent opportunism, it is futile to resist their participation in government roles when opportunities arise, as their capitalist inclinations naturally foster such behavior.
ODM-UDA Shared Ideological Framework Renders Collaboration Inevitable
The Gen-Z revolution, in stark contrast, is predicated on accountability and a call to replace the current system’s players without dismantling the capitalist political framework historically exploited by leaders such as Kenyatta, Moi, Uhuru, and now Ruto. This generation is acutely aware of the perils of continued exploitation under Ruto’s regime, recognizing the existential threat to their futures. The magnitude of this exploitation under Ruto, and its ramifications for Kenyans, is starkly evident to Gen Zs, who understand that their futures are imperiled if this continues.
Attempting to block ODM’s ruling class from government participation is thus an exercise in futility. If ODM and UDA were genuinely ideologically distinct, ODM would be advocating for a snap election rather than engaging in negotiations with a regime desperate to maintain power through repression. The focus must shift from futile resistance to a deeper understanding of the Gen-Z perspective: real change lies in systemic accountability rather than opposing opportunistic political maneuvers. Expending energy to prevent ODM’s alignment with the government is as pointless as stopping a hyena from feasting on a fallen antelope, already brought down by the Gen-Z lions and lionesses.
In this context, ODM’s decision to seek cabinet positions is not only expected but also inevitable. The ideological alignment between ODM and UDA renders their collaboration a natural outcome of their shared capitalist framework. This alignment manifests in their mutual pursuit of power and personal gain, often at the expense of the very people they claim to serve. The outcry from within the Azimio Coalition, while understandable, overlooks this fundamental reality. ODM is the majority in Azimio and if disenchanted Azimio members were in the position of ODM, they would seek to short-change ODM. This is the political framework of ruling class political opportunism under capitalism.
Therefore, those opposed to ODM’s move should conserve their energies. Recognizing that “birds of the same feather flock together,” it becomes apparent that ODM’s actions are consistent with its ideological stance. This recognition should shift the focus towards broader systemic changes rather than individual political maneuvers. The Gen-Z revolution offers a blueprint for this shift, emphasizing accountability and systemic overhaul without dismantling the capitalist political framework.
ODM Rebels and Options on the Table
The internal strife within ODM over cabinet positions underscores a profound ideological alignment with UDA, rendering ODM’s decision to engage with Ruto’s government both predictable and emblematic of the opportunism that pervades Kenya’s ruling class. This decision was ratified through ODM’s national convention, exemplifying the principles of democratic centralism, where all members are expected to abide by the resolutions passed at the national Delegates Conference, even if they hold minority views. This adherence is crucial, as opposing a position that has traversed legitimate legal and constitutional channels is often seen as political immaturity or duplicity.
Members dissenting from the convention’s resolution would demonstrate greater integrity by resigning from the party, recognizing that the party’s stance no longer aligns with their personal convictions. The Gen-Z revolution, championing accountability and systemic change, charts a future where efforts are concentrated on substantive reform rather than resisting the inevitable ideological realignments within the political sphere. Understanding these ideological foundations is essential for those vested in Kenya’s political evolution, signaling a shift towards more meaningful engagement rather than futile opposition.
In light of ODM’s national convention decision, any member opposing this move yet continuing within the party framework transforms into a political rebel. The essence of democratic centralism mandates that party members accept collective decisions and work within the party to sway the majority, rather than engage in overt dissent. The ideological homogeneity between ODM and UDA, now institutionally sanctioned, necessitates a strategic redirection of opposition efforts towards genuine systemic reform as advocated by the Gen-Z revolution. This path not only aligns with the broader goals of accountability and substantive change but also acknowledges the inherent political dynamics at play. For stakeholders in Kenya’s political future, grasping these underlying ideological currents is paramount, fostering a more constructive and forward-looking political discourse.
Okoth Osewe