President William Ruto has promised former Prime Minister Raila Odinga respect in an emotional moment for the head of state on Friday, March 7. 

While delivering his speech during the signing of a political cooperation deal between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC),

Ruto assured Raila that he would work to ensure the veteran politician receives the respect he deserves, no matter what it takes.

“I called my brother, and I told him, ‘You have been my party leader; you are my senior. Today, by God's grace, I am president. I want you to be treated well. And I will do whatever it takes to make sure that you have respect in Kenya,’” Ruto promised.

President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the KICC during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, March 7, 2025.

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Adding, “I am not doing this for any selfish reason. I am doing this because I am a younger person; you are an elder as far as I am concerned by age, and the contribution you have made to Kenya deserves respect.”

Ruto spoke after Raila, who asserted that the agreement was not a coalition. However, he did not completely rule out the possibility.

“The MoU we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA,” Raila said.

He insisted, “However, its successful implementation could form the basis for steps towards establishing a broadly constructive formation for a stable country in the future.”

Ruto remained ever-optimistic, instead stating that the agreement offered a pathway to a future of peace. “And I am very clear in my mind that going into the future, it will take more than Raila Odinga and myself; it will take every one of us to pull this country together and to achieve the things that will change Kenya for the better,” he said.

The two agreed to a 10-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering national unity and addressing governance issues. The agreement includes commitments to fully implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, ensuring inclusivity in budgetary allocations and public appointments, and safeguarding the principles of devolution. 

It also focuses on economic investments targeting the youth, promoting leadership integrity, and ending extravagant lifestyles among public officials.

Further provisions of the MoU advocate for the protection of citizens' rights to peaceful assembly, compensation for unresolved claims of rights victims, and a comprehensive audit of national debt utilisation.

The deal also outlines a collective effort to combat corruption, eliminate the wastage of public resources, and uphold the sovereignty of the people by preventing abductions. Additionally, it calls for unwavering respect for constitutionalism, the rule of law, and press freedom.

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga (center) with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Governor Gladys Wanga (left) and Governors Ciciley Mbarire and Any'ang' Nyongo at KICC on March 7, 2025.

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