The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially approved a working partnership between President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. This development follows the formation of a broad-based government in July last year and marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape. The approval came after President Ruto held a Parliamentary Group meeting on Friday, March 7, with UDA leaders, where they endorsed a joint framework with ODM.
The handshake is expected to reshape alliances, redefine governance, and potentially influence the 2027 elections.
A Commitment to National Unity
President Ruto lauded the handshake as a testament to his administration’s commitment to national unity and bipartisan governance.
“This is the time to put Kenya and its people ahead of any other consideration. We will work together, our political inclinations notwithstanding, to take our country forward. Kenya and its people must succeed,” Ruto stated.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna emphasized that the agreement was not a coalition but a structured collaboration aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans. He clarified that the deal’s primary focus was on governance and addressing critical national issues, rather than merging party ideologies.
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar also reinforced this point, highlighting the need for accountability in governance. He pointed to key issues such as police brutality, national debt, youth unemployment, and extrajudicial killings, emphasizing that the agreement would help tackle these concerns.
Raila’s Perspective
Raila Odinga expressed his gratitude to President Ruto for backing his bid to chair the African Union Commission. He revealed that after extensive consultations with the people of Kenya, he was entrusted with the responsibility of working alongside Ruto to build a better nation.
The agreement, signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on March 7, is expected to trigger immediate political realignments. It also signals an end to infighting within the opposition, as various factions are now compelled to embrace this newfound political cooperation.
Raila’s Recent Consultations
The signing of the pact follows Raila’s extensive nationwide tour, during which he engaged with supporters on the way forward for ODM. After his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship, he embarked on meetings in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Busia, Kilifi, Kwale, Wajir, and Kisii, engaging grassroots leaders and constituents to solidify his next political steps.
The Ruto-Raila Political Union
Ruto and Raila have been working together since July 2024, a partnership that began in response to the Gen Z protests. Following the demonstrations, Ruto restructured his cabinet, appointing four senior ODM members to key positions:
- John Mbadi – Treasury Cabinet Secretary
- James Opiyo Wandayi – Energy Cabinet Secretary
- Ali Hassan Joho – Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary
- Wycliffe Oparanya – Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary
By December 2024, further appointments of Raila’s allies cemented the growing collaboration between the two leaders. Notably, Professor Adams Oloo, Joe Ager, and Dr. Silvester Kasuku were appointed as State House advisors, signaling a deepening political relationship. Adams Oloo was later selected as a member of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, reinforcing ODM’s influence within the administration.
The Parliamentary Purge
The Ruto-Raila partnership also led to a significant shake-up in Parliament, culminating in the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s allies from key leadership positions in the National Assembly and the Senate. ODM members have since assumed leadership of at least seven parliamentary committees.
Key appointments in the National Assembly include:
- Sam Atandi – Chair, Budget and Appropriation Committee
- Benard Shinali – Chair, Trade Committee
- Irene Mayaka – Chair, Regional Integration Committee
- Ken Chonga – Chair, Labour Committee
- James Nyikal – Chair, Health Committee
In the Senate, ODM’s growing influence is evident:
- Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga – Chair, Energy Committee
- Migori Senator Eddy Oketch – Chair, Transport Committee
Political Implications
This alliance is a game-changer in Kenya’s political scene. It marks a departure from the traditionally adversarial relationship between Ruto and Raila, who were once bitter rivals. The shift also underscores the fluid nature of Kenyan politics, where past foes can unite under shared political and governance objectives.
While the deal brings optimism for a more unified approach to governance, it has also raised eyebrows within both camps. Some ODM loyalists remain skeptical about Raila’s decision to collaborate with Ruto, fearing that it could dilute the party’s identity. Similarly, some UDA members worry about the implications of integrating the opposition into the government, particularly regarding internal power struggles.
For Raila, this partnership could signify a strategic move to remain politically relevant after his unsuccessful AU bid. For Ruto, aligning with Raila might help solidify his grip on power by neutralizing opposition forces ahead of the next general election.
Public Perception and Reactions
The Kenyan public has expressed mixed reactions to the Ruto-Raila pact. Supporters of the agreement view it as a mature political move that prioritizes national unity over individual ambitions. They believe that cooperation between the government and opposition will lead to better policymaking and governance.
However, critics argue that the move is nothing more than a political maneuver aimed at consolidating power. Some Kenyans fear that opposition voices will be silenced, leading to a lack of checks and balances within the government. Others are concerned about the implications for democracy, questioning whether the pact truly serves the interests of ordinary citizens or simply advances the ambitions of political elites.
Political analysts suggest that this partnership could have far-reaching consequences, including potential presidential succession deals and the redistribution of political influence in key regions. The alliance could also impact the 2027 elections, shaping campaign strategies and realigning party coalitions.
The Road Ahead https://touchdigitalnews.com/raila-odinga-statesmanship-or-conmanship/
As Kenya watches this new political dynamic unfold, the biggest question remains: Is this a genuine effort to foster national unity, or is it just another strategic twist in the country’s ever-evolving political game?
Only time will tell whether this alliance will deliver on its promises or if it is merely a temporary arrangement dictated by political convenience. What is clear, however, is that Kenyan politics remains as unpredictable as ever. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the Ruto-Raila partnership is built on genuine governance objectives or strategic calculations aimed at maintaining power.
As both leaders navigate this delicate balance, Kenyans will be watching closely, hoping that their interests remain at the forefront of this newfound collaboration.https://www.citizen.digital/news/odm-uda-pact-not-a-coalition-raila-sets-the-record-straight-on-ruto-deal-n358802?fbclid=IwY2xjawI30qZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZbsFmUprB5u4LAdUwg5VH4R_LrBd5r9uMZR9D15CiIC9ynKjnwOLjaBag_aem_PCZMW1vfpFCQcBMlBAFohw