Ruto called on leaders attending the meeting to observe a minute of silence in memory of Raila, acknowledging his contribution to the political arrangement that brought the two parties together in the broad-based government.
“As we start this meeting, there is one person who is not here, a very significant, consequential statesman without whom we would not be sitting in the formation we are sitting today,” Ruto said.
“And in his honour and to appreciate him for his contribution not just to our nation, not even to our government but to us who are here in Naivasha, I want to request you to observe a minute of silence in honour of the late Raila Odinga, our former Prime Minister.”
The tribute underscored the political significance of Raila's role in the formation of the broad-based government, which brought together elements of Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration and the ODM-led opposition.
Ruto and Odinga entered into a political agreement in 2025 following months of political tension and nationwide protests.
The understanding paved the way for closer cooperation between the government and opposition-aligned leaders and eventually saw ODM figures take up positions within the administration.
The two leaders presented the arrangement as an effort to promote national unity, respond to concerns raised by Kenyans and move the country away from divisive politics.
The partnership represented a major shift in the country's political landscape, bringing together two leaders who had been on opposing sides of Kenya's political divide for years.
Under the arrangement, the government and ODM agreed to work together on a range of issues, including economic recovery, youth employment, healthcare, education, constitutional reforms and the fight against corruption.
The Naivasha retreat comes as UDA and ODM leaders seek to strengthen the political partnership and determine its future ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for leaders from the two parties to review the progress of their cooperation, address emerging challenges and chart the political direction of the broad-based administration.
The leaders are also expected to discuss the future of the UDA-ODM arrangement amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Another issue likely to feature prominently is the implementation of recommendations arising from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), whose proposals formed part of the political understanding reached between Ruto and Raila.
