Two days after President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate politically, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has strongly criticized the agreement, dismissing it as a personal deal rather than one meant for the benefit of Kenyans.
Gakuya, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accused Raila of abandoning his role as an opposition leader to align himself with the government. According to him, the pact is a strategic move to weaken opposition forces rather than advance the welfare of the people.
“Raila has forgotten how to fight for Kenyans. You cannot fight for Kenyans when you are in bed with the government. He opted to work with President Ruto for his personal gains,” Gakuya remarked.
He went on to argue that the cooperation agreement between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will not provide tangible benefits to the country. Instead, he claimed, the pact is designed to serve the political interests of both leaders and their parties.
“The cooperation pact between President Ruto and Raila is for UDA and ODM and not for Kenyans; we don’t understand how the country will benefit from their unity,” he added.
Gakuya’s criticism comes as President Ruto defended the MoU, insisting that the agreement is aimed at fostering national unity and addressing key issues affecting the country. Ruto stated that the cooperation framework would focus on reducing youth unemployment, enhancing inclusivity in governance and development, promoting integrity in public service, and minimizing government wastage.
“To all the leaders who share in the vision of a united and prosperous Kenya that is inclusive, we must work together,” Ruto said during the funeral service of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.
The signed agreement between Ruto and Raila will reportedly see their parties share political infrastructure and collaborate in tackling national issues. However, Gakuya’s remarks signal potential resistance from sections of the Kenya Kwanza coalition, particularly allies of DP Gachagua, who have expressed concerns over the implications of the new political alliance.
