President William Ruto and ODM boss Raila Odinga have inked a political deal, setting the stage for an epic battle with the opposition, most of whom were only months ago part of their inner political sanctums.
The Raila-Ruto deal listed many broad issues to be dealt with, among them protecting devolution, compensating victims of rights abuses and auditing of the national debt.
The power-sharing deal was, however not made public.
The Star exclusively reported on Friday that the two political parties, UDA and ODM, would share top government slots equally, thrusting Raila to the apex of the Executive despite holding no official role.
In a dramatic turn, Raila’s 2022 team has now teamed up with Ruto’s former deputy Rigathi Gachagua in a bid to make the UDA leader a one-term president. Interestingly, Rail,a who went flat out against Ruto’s victory in the last election by challenging the result at the Supreme Court and calling for months of street protests is now playing the political chess on his side.
In 202, Raila teamed up with Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (PLP) and Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K) but lost to President Ruto.
Kalonzo, Karua, Eugene and Gachagua have now teamed up and are promising to face Ruto and Raila as a single team.
The Friday deal was the final signal that Raila had parted ways with his longtime allies.
The entry of Raila into Ruto’s camp now makes it the team to beat as it boasts who is who in Kenya’s politics. Apart from Raila, Ruto has Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Mining CS Hassan Joho and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Even though the leaders indicated the ODM-UDA framework agreement is not about Ruto’s 2027 elections, Raila hinted at chances of the deal between the two largest political parties metamorphosing into a pact.
“We make it clear that the memorandum we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA,” Raila said.
“However, its successful implementation could inform the basis of steps towards establishment of a broadly constituted and progressive formation for a stable country in future.” After touring at least 10 counties across different regions, Raila said he gained a clear understanding of what Kenyans wanted.
“That was what we call random sampling—I wanted to feel the pulse of my supporters. After hearing their views, I am now here to sign this document,” he stated.
Ruto said the deal signed at Kenyatta International Convention Centre had nothing to do with 2027 but was meant to serve the interest of Kenyans.
“This arrangement is not about sharing positions or winning elections, it is about Kenyans’ interests. It’s time we closed ranks as a country,” he noted.
“We haven’t made the steps and decisions that would make this country great because we have been making politically correct decisions.” He lauded the former premier for demonstrating bravery by working with the government and putting Kenyans first.
“I must congratulate Raila Odinga and the courage he has to make difficult decisions; not many leaders can make the kind of decisions he has made. Very few people can put the interest of the nation above their personal interest,” Ruto stated.
Raila, a stalwart of Kenyan politics, has historically been a formidable opposition figure and famed for coalition building, some of which have won power.
The veteran opposition chief urged Kenyans to rally behind the newfound formation for the bigger interest of the country.
The announcement is likely to shift the political landscape at a time the Gachagua-Kalonzo camp is consolidating the opposition to render Ruto a one-term president in 2027.
The political realignment has already triggered mixed reactions across the country with former allies terming Raila’s move a big betrayal.
Critics argue that Raila’s newfound alliance with Ruto contradicts his long-standing opposition to the Kenya Kwanza policies he has repeatedly criticised.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka took to his social media platforms moments after the deal was unveiled, terming the move a big betrayal of ideals.
“What has come out of KICC today is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. The people’s loyal opposition will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” Kalonzo said.
But for Raila’s lieutenants the deal is a demonstration of statesmanship and a good move towards uniting the country.
“The decision by the two great leaders of our time to partner despite bitter rivalry reminds us that the country remains greater than all of us. The 60 plus years of history of this nation must be rewritten to ensure we have an inclusive society and end the sense of entitlement from some leaders,” Uriri MP Mark Nyamita told the Star.
“It is a big day, as a party and our party leader we have consulted and ODM has done likewise. This agreement in my understanding, is not about 2027 but working for the people of Kenya and delivering on key issues that are dear to Kenyans,” said Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the KICC, the two political titans urged Kenyans who are interested in having a stable, inclusive and progressive country to support the deal.
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