Barely three weeks after his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, ODM leader Raila Odinga has re-entered national politics through an unexpected alliance with President William Ruto. The two leaders signed a cooperation agreement on Friday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in a ceremony witnessed by senior officials from both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Ruto and Raila aims to address Kenya’s pressing socio-economic and governance challenges through structured dialogue and bipartisan engagement. President Ruto emphasized that the agreement is not about power-sharing or future electoral pacts but rather about tackling issues that directly affect Kenyans.
“This is about uniting to address the real concerns of our people, not about politics or elections,” Ruto stated during the ceremony. Raila, on his part, clarified that the deal does not signify the formation of a political coalition but rather provides a framework for national dialogue and problem-solving.
The agreement is anchored on the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which prioritizes reducing the cost of living, tackling youth unemployment, and enhancing gender inclusivity in governance. Additionally, the MoU calls for reinforcing devolution by ensuring counties receive adequate funding and resources in a timely manner.
The two leaders also committed to fostering investment in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, mining, and ICT to create employment opportunities for the youth. Other key provisions in the agreement include conducting an audit of Kenya’s national debt and strengthening institutions mandated to fight corruption.
Furthermore, the agreement highlights the importance of upholding civil liberties, particularly the right to peaceful assembly, and calls for amnesty for individuals prosecuted for participating in past protests.
Key focus areas of the agreement include:
- Implementation of the NADCO report
- Strengthening devolution and governance
- Youth empowerment and economic opportunities
- Addressing national debt and fighting corruption
- Protection of civil liberties and the right to peaceful assembly
This cooperation marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, bringing together two former adversaries in a bid to foster national stability and development.
