Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has stood by his decision to work with President William Ruto under the broad-based government initiative, saying he has no regrets.

Speaking at the funeral of former Rarieda MP Bob Jalang’o Nyanduga at Obaga Primary School grounds, Odinga pointed out that ODM chose to partner with the Kenya Kwanza government for the sake of the nation. He explained that, at the time, Kenya was on the brink of imploding, citing the massive protests against the government that were on the verge of plunging the nation into chaos.

“It was necessary to take emergency measures to keep the country from falling off the edge,” he said. “We had to make compromises for the good of the nation, and we do not regret that decision.”

Odinga also raised the red flag over rampant corruption, warning that it still hinders development and good governance. He demanded tough action, saying that serious leadership cannot succeed as long as corruption is deeply rooted.

“You cannot develop unless you tame this animal called corruption,” he said. “It exists in almost every aspect of our lives today. We need to fight it in all our spheres.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo, on his part, reassured citizens that Odinga remains committed to the ideals of change and reforms despite his collaboration with the current government.

Orengo affirmed that Odinga will never disappoint the people or the ideals that have steered his political life.

“I know that my party leader is being guided by ideological foundations of reform and change and at every sitting he never forgets that he is a messenger of the people of Kenya,” Orengo said.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo echoed Orengo’s remarks, saying ODM’s involvement in the widened-based government does not weaken its role as a watchdog. He reiterated that the party remains the minority in the National Assembly and will continue to hold the executive accountable.