In a political pivot that would have been unthinkable two years ago, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has heaped praise on President William Ruto, declaring that the current administration has achieved "real change" where the previous regime faltered.

Speaking on Citizen TV, the Minority Whip and longtime confidant of Raila Odinga dismissed suggestions of a rift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Instead, he framed the party's cooperation with the government—the so-called "broad-based" arrangement—as a patriotic duty that is bearing fruit for the Nyanza region and the country at large.

The New Political Reality

"We must be honest," Junet said, his trademark combative tone replaced by pragmatic statemanship. "Ruto has shown a willingness to listen and to share power that we did not see before. He has walked into Nyanza not as a conqueror, but as a partner. That is the difference."

Junet's comments come amidst widening cracks in the opposition, with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna maintaining a more hardline stance. Junet downplayed these differences as "divergence of opinion," insisting that when the party makes a decision—guided by party leader Raila Odinga—everyone falls in line.

• The Development Card: Junet cited recent appointments and project launches in the Luo Nyanza region as evidence of the "Ruto dividend." He argued that perpetual opposition had starved the region of resources, a cycle this new partnership has broken.
• The 2027 Calculus: Analysts view Junet's remarks as the soft launch of a potential 2027 alliance. By discrediting the Uhuru era—which ODM was ironically part of via the "Handshake"—Junet is clearing the deck for a new narrative that accommodates Ruto.
• Internal Tensions: The praise for Ruto is likely to alienate the radical wing of Azimio, who feel betrayed. However, Junet was defiant: "We are interested in service delivery. Whether it comes from Ruto or anyone else, our people must eat."

End of an Era

Junet Mohamed was once the fiercest attack dog against William Ruto. His conversion into a defender of the President's record signals the final death knell of the 2022 political alignments.

As the "broad-based" government solidifies, the lines between government and opposition are not just blurred; they are being erased. For Junet, the message is simple: The past is Uhuru; the future, for now, is Ruto.