President William Ruto has defended his decision to reconcile with his former political adversary and leader of the Azimio la Umoja party, Raila Odinga. Addressing a crowd during his recent tour of the Nyanza region, a traditional stronghold of Odinga, Ruto emphasized the importance of collaboration in fulfilling his commitments to the Kenyan people. He has integrated members of Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party into his Cabinet, marking a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Ruto’s reunion with Raila, a leader he previously opposed during the contentious 2022 elections, has sparked widespread debate among political analysts and the general public. However, the President remains firm in his stance, arguing that working together with the opposition is necessary for the country’s progress.
Collaboration for Progress
During his address, President Ruto praised Raila for his willingness to support the government, stating, “This government that I have formed, Baba (Raila Odinga) has helped me. He suggested that Honorable John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya should come and help us push the agenda forward.” This move underscores Ruto’s belief that including diverse voices, even from former rivals, is essential for national development.
Reflecting on his past association with Raila Odinga, Ruto recalled his involvement in Raila’s 2007 Presidential campaign under the ODM banner. He highlighted that working with Raila is not a novel concept, given their shared history of political cooperation. “At one point, I helped Baba (Raila Odinga). Is there anything wrong if he comes to help me now?” Ruto asked, reinforcing the notion that political collaboration should not be viewed negatively.
Ruto’s decision to work with Raila has been framed as a strategic move to unite the country, which has faced polarization following the 2022 elections. The President’s message was clear: “I am asking you to join me in uniting Kenya because what unites us is greater than what divides us. I want to ask you with humility that we unite as one people in one nation with a common destiny so that we can take Kenya to the next level.”
Support for Raila’s AU Commission Bid
In addition to domestic cooperation, President Ruto has pledged his full support for Raila Odinga’s bid to become the chair of the African Union Commission (AUC). He assured the people of Nyanza, a region that has traditionally supported Odinga, that he would use his position to advocate for Raila’s candidacy.
Ruto revealed that he has already rallied support from the East African Community (EAC) to back Raila’s AUC bid. “We, as Kenyans, have united with our East African Community brothers—from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Somalia to South Sudan. We all agree that Baba (Raila Odinga) should be the chairman and leader of Africa,” Ruto declared, demonstrating his commitment to Raila’s regional and continental ambitions.
The President spoke about a recent ceremony in Nairobi attended by regional heads of state to launch Odinga’s campaign for the AUC post. “We, all Kenyans, the entire government of Kenya, and the people of the East African Community have decided that the honorable Raila Odinga will be our leader for Africa. Pray for us so that Baba becomes the Chairman of the African Union Commission,” Ruto urged during his speech in Kisumu.
A Shared Vision for Africa
Ruto’s support for Raila Odinga goes beyond their past friendship and reflects his belief that Raila is the right candidate to lead the African Union Commission. “Baba (Raila Odinga) and I have come a long way. I have decided that I will help Baba become our leader for Africa because he is our elder. We respect him for his contributions to Kenya’s democracy, and he is a leader who is known and respected,” Ruto said.
President Ruto’s endorsement of Raila’s candidacy for the AUC chairmanship signals a new chapter in Kenya’s political history. By working together with his former rival, Ruto hopes to build a unified front that can advance Kenya’s interests both domestically and on the African continent. The move to reconcile with Raila Odinga illustrates Ruto’s commitment to political inclusivity, cooperation, and national unity.
As Kenya continues to navigate its political landscape, Ruto’s approach could set a precedent for future administrations, demonstrating that collaboration across political divides is essential for the country’s development.
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