Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has firmly defended the decision by his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to work with President William Ruto’s government, emphasizing that the collaboration is rooted in patriotism rather than betrayal.
Speaking during the Mombasa Eid Baraza celebrations on Saturday, Raila dismissed claims that ODM’s new-found cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration was a political sellout. Instead, he described the alliance as a selfless act aimed at uniting the country and fostering development.
“Sisi tunasema hatujaingia kwa harusi hii na serikali ili kusaliti Wakenya, sisi tumefanya kitu ya muhimu kushinda wabinafsi. Wakenya waungane pamoja, wafanye kazi,” Raila said, which translates to: “We say our political marriage with the government is not a move to betray Kenyans. We have done an important thing which is not selfish. Kenyans should unite and work.”
In March 2025, ODM and Kenya Kwanza formalized their cooperation through a Framework Agreement signed at a ceremony attended by lawmakers from both camps. The pact outlined joint efforts to address Kenya’s pressing social, economic, and political challenges.
The agreement also paved the way for the two parties to share political infrastructure and expertise on governance matters, showcasing a united front on key national issues.
Raila called on ODM members to remain peaceful and civil during the upcoming grassroots elections, urging them to support one another for the success of the party. While he confirmed ODM’s participation in the 2027 general elections, he remained non-committal on whether the party would field a presidential candidate.
Political analysts have noted that the move signals a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, with former rivals finding common ground amid mounting public pressure for unity and reform.
As the country gears up for the 2027 polls, the ODM-Kenya Kwanza alliance is likely to reshape political dynamics, with both parties seeking to implement the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving governance and fostering national cohesion.
