President William Ruto has defended his recent political rapprochement with opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying the alliance is aimed at fostering national unity and stability rather than serving personal interests. Speaking in Siaya County during the burial of George Oduor, a long-serving aide to the Odinga family, Ruto stressed the need to end political and ethnic divisions that have long hampered Kenya’s development.
“Ethnicity and division have held this country back for too long,” the President said. “We must work towards a united, inclusive nation. That is why our coming together with Raila is not about individuals, but about Kenya’s future.”
The President noted that political instability and discrimination in resource allocation have historically undermined development. He said that by forging a broad-based government, his administration seeks to eliminate all forms of marginalization and promote equal opportunities for all Kenyans.
Ruto’s comments come amid growing concerns over shrinking budget allocations to counties, with several governors warning that essential services are at risk. Raila Odinga, who also attended the funeral, used the platform to lash out at Members of Parliament whom he accused of frustrating devolution efforts.
“Devolution is under attack,” Raila said. “Some MPs are sabotaging the system from within, and we must not allow them to reverse the gains we’ve made.”
The burial of George Oduor brought together political leaders from across the divide. Oduor, who passed away after a long illness, was remembered as a loyal aide who served both the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga with unwavering dedication. Raila eulogized him as “a pillar of strength and trust,” recalling how Oduor was always at hand to provide security and personal support, especially during turbulent political times.
The President’s call for unity, echoed by Odinga’s warning against threats to devolution, signaled a rare moment of political convergence. It underscored the potential of the Ruto-Raila pact to foster national healing in a country often polarized along political and ethnic lines.
