The country’s political landscape was jolted on Friday as President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed a political cooperation deal between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to collaborate on key national issues.

The agreement, unveiled at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), has been met with sharp criticism from various political figures, notably Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who labelled the pact "the biggest betrayal of Kenyans."

Musyoka, addressing attendees at the People's Dialogue Festival in Nairobi's Uhuru Park, expressed his dismay over the agreement. He reaffirmed the opposition coalition's commitment to standing firm for the people, stating, "The people's loyal coalition will never trade its principles for temporary comfort."

The MoU between Ruto and Odinga outlines a framework for joint consultations on pressing national matters, including the fight against corruption and the implementation of the NADCO report—a consensus document from bipartisan talks at Bomas of Kenya in 2023.

Rigathi Gachagua alongside Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa on Tuesday, March 4 2025.

Photo

Rigathi Gachagua

Both leaders emphasized that the agreement is not about forming a new political alliance but rather about fostering cooperative governance to aid the nation's development.

This is amid reports that Kenyans could see a return of the office of Prime Minister, tipped for Raila Odinga. If successful, this would be the second time Odinga is taking charge of the office. There are legal hurddles though.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah also voiced strong opposition to the MoU, particularly concerning the implementation of the Nadco report. Speaking at the same festival, Omtatah declared, "Anybody supporting Nadco must be removed from public life. Raila Odinga and William Ruto have declared war on the future of this country."

The People's Dialogue Festival, ongoing since Wednesday at Uhuru Park, has attracted various civil society leaders and political figures. Former Chief Justice David Maraga is among the key attendees who have addressed the forum, which concludes on Saturday.

Musyoka's condemnation of the Ruto-Odinga pact extends beyond the agreement itself. He has criticized President Ruto over what he describes as "punitive" taxes that have adversely affected the business environment, causing investors to migrate to neighbouring countries.

The Wiper leader has pledged to lead Kenyans in protesting against the pact and advocating for governmental reforms, including the eradication of the housing levy. He called upon the youth to unite in holding President Ruto and his partner accountable for human rights violations and the deteriorating economic situation.

This development marks the fourth instance where Odinga, a five-time presidential candidate, has entered into a pact with a sitting president. Both Ruto and Odinga maintain that their agreement is not aimed at distributing government positions but is intended to provide a framework for consultations on issues affecting Kenyans.

Odinga stated that the pact would "help ease tension in our country" and that the opposition had realized it was insufficient to "stand aside and criticize."

President William Ruto signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Raila at the KICC in Nairobi on Friday, March 7, 2025.

PCS