President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have convened crucial meetings with their respective party members ahead of the much-anticipated unveiling of a political cooperation agreement between their parties.
On Friday morning, President Ruto chaired a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting of his UDA-allied MPs at State House, Nairobi. The meeting, which followed a breakfast session, was aimed at rallying support for the agreement and addressing concerns among lawmakers about potential government changes that could result from the deal. A text message from South Mugirango MP and National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro confirmed the meeting’s schedule, urging UDA MPs to attend without delay.
“Colleagues, H.E. the President, Dr. WSR, invites you all for a breakfast meal at State House, Nairobi, tomorrow (Friday), March 7, 2025, at exactly 7 a.m., followed by a PG meeting at the same venue. Please keep time,” read Osoro’s message to UDA lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga chaired a simultaneous meeting of the ODM Central Management Committee (CMC) at a Nairobi hotel. The CMC, comprising top party officials such as the Chairperson, Secretary-General, Deputy Party Leaders, National Treasurer, and Executive Director, was briefed on the details of the cooperation agreement with President Ruto. The meeting was seen as a strategic move to consolidate party support ahead of the deal’s official signing later in the day.
As part of the agreement, Kenya Kwanza has already ceded several parliamentary committee leadership positions to ODM, signaling a broader political realignment. Raila is also expected to nominate key allies to the cabinet, further solidifying ODM’s role in government.
This development follows Raila’s extensive nationwide consultations with his supporters. His engagements culminated in a high-level meeting with Nairobi County ODM leaders at the Kenya International Convention Centre on Friday night. Throughout his tour, Raila reassured his supporters that while he would not align with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, he was committed to working with the government to stabilize the country.
The unfolding political collaboration between President Ruto and Raila Odinga marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, with implications for governance and future electoral alliances.
