Kenya’s President William Ruto has appointed several prominent opposition figures previously his fiercest critics to key positions in his Cabinet in a move that has ignited widespread controversy.

Among the new appointees are Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and John Mbadi—all high-ranking members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Joho and Oparanya, who served as ODM deputy party leaders, have been nominated for the Mining and Cooperatives portfolios, respectively. John Mbadi, the ODM chairman has been appointed as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary. Opiyo Wandayi, the National Assembly Minority Leader, was also appointed to the Energy and Petroleum docket.

The appointments have raised questions about the integrity of Kenya’s political class and left many citizens feeling betrayed. Just months ago, these individuals were vehemently criticizing President Ruto and his administration.

A History of Criticism

John Mbadi was known for his scathing remarks against the Ruto administration. He once labeled the previous Cabinet secretaries as “skunks” and lambasted the government’s policies at every turn. His social media was filled with posts condemning Ruto’s leadership, accusing him of failing the Kenyan people.

Hassan Joho went as far as calling President Ruto “the most corrupt politician” in Kenya. He was adamant that he would never align himself with a government he deemed morally and ethically bankrupt.

Wycliffe Oparanya expressed disdain for the ruling party, stating that if UDA (United Democratic Alliance) was the only option, he would rather not be in politics at all.

However, the allure of power seems to have changed their tune. Following their nominations, these once vocal critics took to social media to express gratitude to President Ruto. John Mbadi, in a surprising turn of events, praised the president for his “visionary leadership.” Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya also posted messages of thanks, conveniently forgetting their past accusations and criticisms.

This dramatic shift has left many Kenyans feeling disillusioned. The same leaders who were supposed to hold the government accountable have now chosen to align themselves with the very regime they once opposed.

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Public Outcry and Betrayal

The public reaction has been one of anger and betrayal. Social media platforms have been flooded with posts expressing frustration over the appointments. Many feel these politicians have abandoned their principles for personal gain, leaving the common mwananchi (citizen) to fend for themselves in a system that remains unchanged.

Activist Boniface Mwangi voiced the sentiments of many when he accused the opposition leaders of betraying the youth who had fought and died for a better Kenya. “Raila Odinga, are you saying these young men were murdered so that you and your friends could get jobs? They died for a better Kenya, free of bad leadership, corruption, tribalism, and hand-cheque politics. This level of betrayal is unforgivable. We shall not forget,” he wrote.

Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana also expressed his disappointment, saying, “Raila, you are no longer Raila Odinga BABA. The GENZEE-MILLENNIAL MOVEMENT is now the OFFICIAL OPPOSITION. Now you are in your fourth hand-cheque shake. May the blood and tears of the young haunt you all your life.”

The appointments have laid bare the opportunistic nature of Kenya’s political class. The political elite, it seems, are willing to unite for their selfish gains, ignoring the root causes of the common mwananchi’s suffering. The promise of reform and change has once again given way to the same old patterns and faces, perpetuating a cycle of disillusionment and mistrust among the electorate.

As President Ruto christens his government a “broad-based coalition,” the reality is that the political class continues to prioritize their interests over the people’s needs. The opposition’s decision to join forces with a regime they once vehemently opposed serves as a stark reminder of the duplicity that defines Kenya’s political landscape.