Cracks in the Pact? Ruto Allies Accuse Raila Camp of Blackmail in Broad-Based Government Deal

Tensions are boiling over in Kenya’s Broad-Based Government as allies of President William Ruto accuse Raila Odinga’s inner circle of political blackmail.

What was once painted as a grand unity pact to stabilize the country is now cracking under mistrust, bruised egos, and conflicting ambitions. The partnership that began with pomp and hope is showing signs of a major rift.

Ruto’s allies claim that Raila’s camp is using threats, ultimatums, and backdoor deals to corner the president and steer government decisions.

As both sides flex their muscles ahead of 2027, Kenyans are watching a fragile alliance slowly unravel.

Broad-Based Government Tensions Spark Allegations of Blackmail

The much-hyped Broad-Based Government was sold to Kenyans as a symbol of national unity. President Ruto and Raila Odinga, once fierce political rivals, surprised many when they began working together.

Their cooperation deal was meant to ease political tension and bring opposition voices into decision-making. But behind the scenes, things are falling apart.

Ruto’s inner circle claims Raila’s allies are using their new access to power not for the common good, but for leverage.

According to sources close to the president, key ODM figures are threatening to withdraw support unless certain demands are met.

Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna have been especially vocal. They’ve raised sharp criticisms of Ruto’s leadership style and accused his government of sidelining the spirit of devolution.

These public attacks have angered Ruto loyalists, who see them as attempts to sabotage the unity pact while gaining political mileage.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o issued a damning statement accusing Ruto of dragging Kenya back to the “Nyayo era.” He said the president is undermining the 2010 Constitution and trying to centralize power at the expense of counties.

These strong words didn’t go unnoticed at State House. Ruto’s allies now say the Raila camp is trying to corner the president by criticizing him openly while negotiating for more influence behind closed doors.

Raila’s Quiet Moves Raise More Suspicion

Even as his allies throw verbal punches at the government, Raila Odinga has been holding curious political meetings.

His recent sit-down with DNA party leader Godfrey Kanoti raised eyebrows across the political divide. The DNA party, launched just weeks ago, has branded itself as a force against Ruto’s re-election in 2027.

At the launch of the party, other opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni openly spoke about building a new anti-Ruto coalition. They pledged to form a Narc-style movement to stop Ruto’s 2027 ambitions.

Though Raila claimed the meeting with Kanoti was just a “tête-à-tête” about governance and political party structures, the optics painted a different story. To many, it looked like Raila was preparing for war while pretending to be at peace.

This dual game — where Raila’s team enjoys access to government while secretly rearming politically — is what Ruto’s camp calls blackmail.

They accuse Raila’s group of demanding positions, budget allocations, and influence, all while planning their next assault on State House.

The Devolution Dilemma

One of the biggest flashpoints in the feud is the issue of devolution. Governors allied to Raila say the national government is grabbing powers that rightly belong to counties.

Prof. Nyong’o specifically accused Ruto’s administration of hijacking road functions managed by KURA and KERRA — institutions meant to work in harmony with county governments.

He also attacked the national government’s handling of healthcare. In his words, “The counties manage health effectively and efficiently.

The national government cannot even manage Kenyatta National Hospital.” This kind of direct hit on the president’s competence adds to the growing hostility. Ruto’s team, however, insists these attacks are not made in good faith.

Broad-Based Government on the Brink as Devolution Becomes a Battleground

They claim Raila’s allies are using devolution issues as political weapons to weaken the president’s public image and force him into concessions.

For a government that was supposed to be built on cooperation, the reality has become one of constant conflict. Every statement from an ODM leader is now seen as a calculated move. And every counter from Ruto’s side seems like a sign of deepening mistrust.

The broad-based government is now teetering on the edge. What began as a bold attempt at unity is turning into a battlefield of accusations, blackmail, and power struggles.

If this trend continues, the fallout could be massive — not just for the 2027 elections, but for governance and service delivery across the country.

The president’s camp is already speaking in tones of betrayal. The Raila faction is moving with growing confidence, sensing weakness and opportunity.

In between, Kenyans are beginning to wonder whether the Broad-Based Government was ever meant to work or was just another political mirage.

If there’s one lesson from this saga, it’s that political partnerships built on short-term gain rarely survive the test of ambition. And for now, that ambition is threatening to tear the whole arrangement apart.