Alego Usonga, Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Atandi, has strongly defended the Broad-Based Government. The MP called the political cooperation a “miracle” that materialised against all expectations.
Speaking during TV47 Kenya’s Mfahamu Kiongozi segment, Mr Atandi addressed concerns that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had betrayed the youth, particularly the Gen Z, following widespread protests.
A Political ‘Miracle’ Unfolding
Mr Atandi confessed that the BBG was entirely unexpected. He stated that if anyone had asked him two years ago whether such cooperation was possible, he would have denied it.
The MP, who serves as the newly elected Chairperson of the Budget Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly, credits the BBG with providing him with this influential opportunity.
He noted that he received support from the Executive, led by the President, during the crafting of his first budget.
Mr Atandi moved from being a “fierce critic” of President Ruto to a “fierce supporter”. He clarified that this shift was due to political loyalty, not personal feelings.
“There is always nothing personal about politics. I think that’s what people need to know. That was when we were opposed to Kenyan government; it was the policy of the ODM party then that we were playing a critical opposition role.”
Now that the ODM party has agreed to form the broad government, they must support the administration.
Defending Against Betrayal Claims
Mr Atandi refuted the notion that ODM betrayed the youth or took advantage of the Gen Z protests. He stated that his movement approached national problems by seeking collaboration with all parties.
“We have not betrayed anyone. We are a political movement. We are part of this country, and first of all, we also have our own eyes. We also have our own brains. We know where the country was, the level the country had reached, and we were looking for how we can solve the problems,” he stated.
He criticised the assumption that removing President Ruto was the only solution for the youth’s issues, describing this approach as “ill-advised”.
The MP reminded people that the President has a large constituency that he controls nationally. Therefore, the belief that problems could be sorted out by removing the President is “not right”.
Mr Atandi stressed that resolving the country’s challenges requires everyone to work together. He argued that moving the country forward is more important than attempting to oust a legally elected official.
He added that people who oppose the broad government generally pursue selfish interests.
The Broad-Based Cooperation
The cooperation follows a joint Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework agreement signed between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in March this year.
The leaders acknowledged that the country’s potential has been hindered by ethnicity and state policies that exclude parts of the nation. The agreement sets out a 10-point commitment.
Key resolutions include implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, promoting inclusivity, and addressing the national debt crisis.
Beyond 2027
Mr Atandi expressed his view that the broad-based agreement should continue beyond the 2027 election.
He noted that it would be ill-advised to work with President Ruto to plan the country’s development and then suddenly “jump ship”.
The MP stated that those on the side of the broad government are focused on the “preservation of the country,” which is the priority.
by moses sagwe
