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Key members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party have been nominated to lead some of the flagship programs of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.

This unexpected power-sharing arrangement could reshape the landscape of Kenya’s politics and policy.

The most notable appointments include Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, the ODM deputy party leader, being nominated as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSME Development.

Just two years ago, Oparanya was a vocal critic of Ruto’s signature “Hustler Fund” initiative. Now, he will be tasked with overseeing its implementation.

Similarly, ODM National Chairperson John Mbadi has been nominated to take over the crucial Ministry of Treasury and Economic Planning from Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u.

Mbadi, known for his vocal criticism of the government’s fiscal policies, will now be expected to tackle the country’s mounting debt and the rising cost of living that has elicited public outcry.

James Opiyo Wandayi, the National Assembly Minority Leader from ODM, has been proposed to head the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

He will be responsible for making decisions on the cost of fuel and electricity, as well as overseeing the last-mile connectivity project that has faced budget challenges.

Hassan Ali Joho, the former Mombasa Governor and an ODM heavyweight, has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs.

This strategic appointment comes at a time when Kenya has discovered significant deposits of coltan, a valuable mineral, and is seeking to capitalize on the promising blue economy sector.

These unexpected power-sharing arrangements reflect a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.

The incoming ODM leaders will be tasked with aligning their policies and priorities with those of the Kenya Kwanza administration, which they have previously opposed.

This move could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic and social policies, as well as the dynamics within the political landscape.

As the nominees await parliamentary approval, Kenyans and political observers alike will be closely watching to see how these unlikely allies navigate the challenges ahead and whether their appointment will indeed lead to the much-needed solutions for the country’s pressing issues.