The broad-based Cabinet formed, comprising members of the Orange Democratic Party led by Raila Odinga and his political rival, President William Ruto, highlights a stark contrast with the outcome of the 2018 handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga.

The formation of this cabinet was preceded by protests from Kenyan youth, who took to the streets to voice their opposition to the punitive taxes proposed in the Finance Bill 2024-2025. Notably, unlike the 2018 demonstrations, which were largely driven by Odinga's political base, the current protests were spearheaded by Generation Z, who feel betrayed by Odinga's decision to join the government.

Many Kenyans view his move as a betrayal of their cause and a disheartening abandonment of his former crusade for a better Kenya. The same generation that once hailed him as a champion of reform and a symbol of hope now feels disillusioned by his perceived selfish ambitions.

"How can you prioritize appointing your allies to cabinet positions when the youths killed by the same government have not even been buried?' one frustrated youth asked during a recent protest in Nairobi, questioning the urgency of Odinga's actions."

The appointment of ODM's chairman, minority leader, and two deputy party leaders to cabinet positions is a travesty to multiparty democracy, as ODM is a major opposition party in Kenya's legislative organs, the Senate and Parliament with a primary role of providing oversight and holding the government accountable for its excesses. His actions have undermined this critical function, leaving a power vacuum that threatens the very fabric of Kenya's democracy.

It is ironic that Odinga, who fought for multiparty democracy and was even detained for it during President Daniel Moi's reign, has made this move. Odinga's decision has diluted Kenya's political scene and undermined the vibrancy and national clout of the ODM party.

This development is a far cry from the expectations of Kenyans who revered Odinga as the "Nelson Mandela" of Kenya, given his nine years of detention without trial for fighting for democratic space. They expected him to remain a strong advocate for reform until the end of his political journey, just like Mandela did in South Africa. Instead, his political influence has been severely diminished, regardless of his aspirations to capture the African Union (AU) chairperson seat.

It is widely acknowledged that during times of national crisis, leaders from diverse political backgrounds should put aside their differences and work towards the collective good of the country. While supporters of Odinga may view his recent move through this lens, the majority perceive it as a self-centred decision. This is because Odinga failed to consider the youth in the list of cabinet appointments from his party, despite their significant role in driving the recent protests against the government.

It is worth noting that if Generation Z had not revolted against the current government, Odinga would not have had the opportunity to have members of his party appointed to the cabinet.

In essence, he is reaping benefits from a field he did not cultivate or sow. This perceived lack of consideration for the youth, who were instrumental in creating the conditions for his party's inclusion in the government, has led many to view his move as opportunistic and self-serving.

Critics argue that Odinga's cabinet nominees, including billionaire politicians like Ali Hassan Joho and Wyckliffe Oparanya, should focus on creating sustainable enterprises that generate employment opportunities for the poor and marginalized instead of competing for government jobs meant for the underprivileged and unemployed.

Odinga's decision to exploit the situation for personal gain, disregarding the principles of integrity and accountability that once defined his legacy, has raised questions about his true character.

Initiating a political deal with the ruling government when Kenyans strive for self-determination is an unfathomable tragedy for Kenya's democratic future. Odinga's political clout has been punctured, and he should yield the leadership of the Azimio coalition to Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement.

As Odinga nears the twilight of his political career, he must begin nurturing emerging leaders to pass the baton to. To redeem his image, he should own up and apologize unequivocally for betraying the aspirations of Kenya's young people. Otherwise, his political legacy, built over 40 years, maybe tarnished.

It is widely acknowledged that during a national crisis, leaders from diverse political backgrounds should put aside their differences and pursue the collective good of the country. However, while supporters of Odinga may view his recent move through this lens, the majority perceive it as a self-centred decision that prioritizes personal gain over the greater good.

This perception is fueled by Odinga's failure to consider the youth in the list of cabinet appointments from his party, despite their significant role in driving the recent protests against the government. The youth, who were instrumental in creating the conditions for Odinga's party to be included in the government, feel betrayed by his lack of consideration.

It is worth noting that if Generation Z had not revolted against the current government, Odinga would not have had the opportunity to have members of his party appointed to the cabinet. In essence, he is reaping benefits from a field he did not cultivate or sow.

This perceived lack of consideration for the youth has led many to view Odinga's move as opportunistic and self-serving. Some believe the ODM leader is genuine, while others think it's time to expose his web of deceit and pretense.

Odinga's decision to exploit the situation for personal gain, disregarding the principles of integrity and accountability that once defined his legacy, has raised questions about his true character. Initiating a political deal with the ruling government when Kenyans are striving for self-determination is an unfathomable tragedy for Kenya's democratic future. Odinga's political clout has been punctured, and he should yield the leadership of the Azimio coalition to Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement.

Odinga's newfound alliance with the current government has eroded the confidence Kenyans once had in him. As he approaches the end of his political career, he must start mentoring emerging leaders to ensure a smooth transition and allow a new generation to take the reins. To redeem his image, he should unequivocally own up to and apologize for betraying the aspirations of Kenya's young people. If he fails to do so, his 40-year political legacy may be tarnished, leaving a lasting impact on Kenya's political landscape.

By Lister Nyaringo

President of the Kenya Patriotic Movement, a diaspora lobby group based in the United States.