Ruto to Uhuru: Azimio without Baba's ODM is a collapse, You cannot remove its backbone and expect it to stand

President William Ruto has dismissed recent leadership changes within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, declaring that the opposition alliance cannot survive without the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking on Sunday after attending a church service at AIC Pipeline in Embakasi South, Nairobi, the President told congregants and supporters that attempts to reorganize Azimio following recent internal reshuffles would not alter what he described as the coalition’s declining political relevance.

“I have heard that they are reviving Azimio, the one we defeated early in the morning,” Ruto said. “Let me be clear to the people of Kenya—Azimio without ODM is a collapse. You cannot remove its backbone and expect it to stand.”

The President’s remarks were widely interpreted as a direct response to political moves associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been involved in efforts to reorganize the coalition’s leadership structure following changes that came after the passing of former ODM leader Raila Odinga and shifting alliances within the opposition.

Recent meetings convened by Azimio leaders resulted in Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka being named coalition leader, while other positions were also reshuffled in an effort to reinvigorate the alliance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, the changes have drawn mixed reactions from different parties within the coalition, particularly ODM, whose cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration under a broad-based arrangement has complicated the opposition’s unity.

Addressing the congregation in Pipeline, President Ruto urged his supporters to remain focused on development rather than political maneuvering.

“My competitors are busy rearranging positions and writing letters,” he said. 

“But we are focused on building roads, creating jobs, and improving the lives of Kenyans. That is what leadership is about.”

The President also used the platform to outline his administration’s plans for Nairobi, emphasizing that the transformation of the capital city would be central to the country’s broader development agenda.

“Nairobi is where the transformation of Kenya must begin,” he told the audience. 

“We cannot talk about a modern nation when the capital city is struggling with garbage, poor lighting, and informal settlements. That is why we are investing heavily in housing, sanitation, and infrastructure.”

Ruto announced that the government, in collaboration with Nairobi County, plans to intensify efforts to improve waste management and sanitation starting later this year.

He added that the affordable housing programme remains one of the flagship projects aimed at addressing the housing deficit and improving living standards for low-income families.

“We are building thousands of houses for residents of Nairobi,” he said. 

“In the next 15 years, we want to eliminate slums and give our people decent, dignified living conditions. Every Kenyan deserves a safe and clean home.”

The Head of State was accompanied by several leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, deputy governor James Muchiri, Members of County Assembly, and senior national government officials. 

Governor Sakaja echoed the President’s sentiments, saying cooperation between national and county governments is essential for delivering services effectively.

“Transformation of Nairobi cannot be done by one level of government alone,” Sakaja said. 

“We must work together to improve drainage, security, lighting, and waste collection so that our city reflects its true potential.”

Meanwhile, political analysts say President Ruto’s comments about Azimio reflect the shifting dynamics in Kenyan politics, where alliances are evolving rapidly ahead of the next election cycle. 

Some observers argue that ODM’s current working arrangement with the government has weakened the cohesion of the opposition, while others believe it has opened new possibilities for bipartisan cooperation on national issues.

Political commentator Peter Mwangi noted that the future of Azimio may depend on whether its constituent parties can rebuild trust and define a clear agenda.

“Coalitions survive on unity of purpose,” Mwangi said. 

“If parties begin to move in different directions, it becomes difficult to present a united front to voters. That is the challenge Azimio is currently facing.”

Within ODM itself, leaders have expressed differing views about the party’s relationship with the government and the opposition. 

Some argue that cooperation with the administration is necessary to secure development projects and influence policy, while others insist that the party must retain its identity as a watchdog and alternative voice.

President Ruto, however, maintained that his administration remains open to working with leaders from across the political divide for the benefit of citizens.

“We are not interested in endless quarrels,” he said. 

“We are interested in building Kenya. Any leader who wants to work with us to improve the lives of our people is welcome.”