Secret treaty: Raila and Ruto sign 2027 deal

ODM leader Raila Odinga, National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and President William Ruto at State House, Mombasa, on Monday /HIRAM OMONDI /PCS

ODM leader Raila Odinga is poised to secure more Cabinet secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and ambassadors as he formalises his political partnership with President William Ruto.

The two leaders are expected to announce their collaboration between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and ODM in the coming weeks, just before Ruto reveals a Cabinet reshuffle aimed at integrating more members from Raila’s party.

This anticipated collaboration follows extensive consultations across the country and comes on the heels of the Monday high-level meeting between Raila and Ruto.

During the meeting, the two leaders addressed various national issues and discussed the future direction of their political alliance.

On Tuesday, Raila held a consultative meeting in Kisumu, emphasising the importance of engaging with communities and stakeholders before making any significant political decisions.

His approach began with discussions with elders from the region, where he sought their insights and wisdom as he navigates the current political climate.

“I firmly believe that to lead effectively, one must listen first,” Raila stated.

He shared experiences from his recent campaign for the African Union Commission chairmanship election, highlighting the complexities of the process, voting dynamics, and the valuable lessons learned.

“The AU chapter is behind us and it is time to move forward,” he asserted, urging his supporters to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead.

In a bid to fortify the ODM party, Raila also met with youth leaders from Kisumu county.

He encouraged them to remain resilient and committed to the party’s vision, declaring, “There is life after Addis Ababa.”

Raila assured his supporters that his consultations would extend beyond Nyanza.

“I will visit other parts of Kenya,” he emphasised, signaling his intent to engage with various regions and communities nationwide.

He confirmed that he would make a major announcement by the end of next week, urging his supporters to “watch this space.”

“We will start with formal coordination before we agree what to do in 2027,” said a senior ODM member.

Sources have indicated that ODM and Ruto’s UDA party signed a memorandum of understanding during a meeting at State House Mombasa on Monday.

While the details of the MoU remain closely guarded, it is expected to formalise a partnership between the two major political parties.

This potential alliance signifies a substantial shift in the political dynamics of Kenya, particularly given the historical rivalry between Raila and Ruto.

Their past political positions have often divided supporters into passionate camps, as seen during the contentious 2022 elections.

The signing of the MoU may herald a new era of collaboration, aimed at unifying the country and addressing pressing national challenges.

As President Ruto prepares to implement sweeping changes within his administration—especially concerning principal secretaries—more members of Raila’s camp are expected to be integrated into senior government roles.

This development will effectively end months of speculation regarding the relationship between the Orange party and the ruling UDA.

In a speech following the Mombasa meeting, President Ruto appeared to confirm the emerging alliance, stating, “The election period is behind us. I have accepted that we should form a government that unites all Kenyans.”

He emphasised the necessity of collaboration with opposition leaders, inviting them to join his administration for the benefit of all citizens.

With Raila’s significant influence in Kenyan politics, this alliance is expected to bolster Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027.

Reports suggest that Raila may secure at least 10 principal secretary positions in the forthcoming changes.

Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Raila expressed his commitment to providing political direction to his supporters following thorough consultations.

“I am back home, and I will consult widely. Soon, we will announce our way forward. Just watch this space,” he stated.

The Mombasa meeting was attended by key figures from both ODM and UDA.

Raila was accompanied by notable party leaders including national chairperson Gladys Wanga, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and his personal lawyer Paul Mwangi.

On the UDA side, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, UDA national chairperson Cecily Mbarire, and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy were present, along with Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.

In a notable shift Nassir, who had previously been a hardliner against working with Ruto, publicly declared that the Orange party deserved a place in the government.

His remarks during a rally underscored a growing acceptance of the need for collaboration.

“We also deserve to be in government,” he asserted, echoing sentiments of unity and cooperation.

The Star has learned that Raila’s party has scheduled a Central Management Committee meeting to discuss these developments and strategise for the future.

Initially planned for this week, the meeting has been rescheduled to Monday next week, where party officials will unpack the details of the MoU and provide their input.

Before the CMC meeting, Raila is set to lead a delegation to Busia for a meeting related to the party’s 20th anniversary preparations on Friday.

The gathering is expected to further solidify his engagement with party members and supporters.