Raila Odinga, Kenya’s veteran opposition leader, has repeatedly found a way to influence governments formed by his former adversaries. His recent political pact with President William Ruto marks the fourth such agreement, demonstrating his ability to negotiate his way into the corridors of power despite electoral setbacks.
On Friday, President Ruto and Raila signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework Agreement, symbolizing a new phase of cooperation. This alliance became evident when Ruto appointed key ODM members to his Cabinet, a move that foreshadowed the formal agreement.
However, this is not the first time Raila has entered into a pact with a sitting president after a contentious election. His political career is defined by strategic alliances, often formed after intense rivalries. Here are the four major instances:
1. The Moi-Raila Alliance (2001)
Raila’s first major political pact with a former rival came in 2001 when he joined President Daniel Arap Moi’s government. After merging his National Development Party (NDP) with the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) to form ‘New Kanu,’ Raila was appointed Minister for Energy. This move shocked many, given Raila’s history as a fierce critic of Moi’s regime. However, their alliance was short-lived as Moi later endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta as his successor, leading to Raila’s defection.
2. The Kibaki-Raila Grand Coalition (2008)
Following the highly disputed 2007 general election, Kenya was plunged into its worst post-election violence, with over 1,200 people killed and 600,000 displaced. To resolve the crisis, Raila and President Mwai Kibaki agreed to a power-sharing deal brokered by international mediators. The agreement saw Raila assume the newly created position of Prime Minister in April 2008, bringing an end to the political impasse.
3. The Handshake with Uhuru Kenyatta (2018)
After the controversial 2017 elections, which Raila claimed were rigged, tensions remained high. However, on March 9, 2018, Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta shocked the nation with their public handshake at Harambee House. This truce, later dubbed the ‘Handshake,’ led to a period of political stability and cooperation between the two leaders.
4. The Ruto-Raila Agreement (2024)
The most recent handshake came in 2024 when Raila and President William Ruto formally signed an MoU, agreeing to work together. This move, which followed Ruto’s appointment of ODM members to his government, underscores Raila’s enduring influence in Kenyan politics.
Throughout his career, Raila Odinga has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt and find common ground with former rivals, ensuring his continued presence in Kenya’s political landscape.
