By Samuel Ouma *
Kenyan politics took another unexpected twist when veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) right after Odinga’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
This surprising agreement between two prominent political figures has created quite a stir across the country, eliciting a range of responses from various political factions and the general public.
While the specifics of the agreement remain mostly under wraps, it was signed during a time of intense speculation about Raila’s political trajectory. Following his defeat in Addis Ababa, many political observers sensed a chance for realignment, especially considering the existing divisions within the government and the opposition.
The M.O.U has 10-point commitments and resolutions to pursue and achieve to ensure a more cohesive and prosperous nation.
They include implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, promoting inclusivity in governance and national development, protecting and strengthening devolution, and addressing Kenya’s debt crisis.
Further, it endeavours to secure Kenya’s future, promote integrity in national leadership, eliminate wastage of public resources, win the war against corruption, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly, and uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism.
“It is not enough to merely identify systemic and cultural obstacles that have denied generations a fair chance to achieve their aspirations. More importantly, we must rise above the political differences and embrace a higher vision of the Kenya we all deserve,” said President Ruto.
According to Odinga, the M.O.U is meant to ease the prevailing tensions in the country, reconcile the population, and move the country forward by addressing critical issues facing ordinary Kenyans.
“As leaders of the largest political parties in the country, we arrived at the understanding that in a time of significant challenges to our nation, it is not enough to merely grandstand or stand aside and criticize, easy as those may be,” he said.
On claims that the MOU was about the 2027 elections, Odinga stated that the agreement to join hands with his foe turn ally is in the interest of the nation. He said that the Memorandum of Understanding was all about promoting national unity, boosting economic recovery, and improving governance.
For President Ruto, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the former Prime Minister might be viewed as a clever strategy to strengthen his position as the 2027 elections approach. Political experts argue that by aligning himself with Odinga, Ruto aims to diminish the opposition that has persistently questioned his leadership.
Moreover, this agreement could assist the president in addressing the rising dissatisfaction within his own Kenya Kwanza coalition, where signs of internal conflict are starting to surface following the ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The Memorandum of Understanding has sparked a range of reactions from leaders on both sides of the political spectrum. Opposition leaders, many of whom have been vocal critics of Ruto’s presidency, are expressing doubts about Odinga’s recent actions. Kalonzo Musyoka, the Wiper leader who has been trying to establish himself as Raila’s political successor, was quick to voice his concerns, accusing Odinga of betrayal.
“What has come out of Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) is the biggest BETRAYAL of Kenyans. The People’s Loyal Coalition will NEVER betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” said Kalonzo, who supported Odinga’s three presidential bids.
On the other hand, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hailed the MoU, congratulating Mr Odinga for the bold decision to work with the government of the day to resolve issues affecting Kenyans.
“I am proud to see what is happening today. Courageous decisions are made by courageous people,” said Dr. Kindiki during the signing of the MOU on March 7, 2025.
The MoU has stirred up quite a conversation among Kenyans, beyond just the political elite. Some people see it as a smart political strategy aimed at promoting stability, while others, especially younger Kenyans, feel it’s a betrayal of their fight against government overreach.
A section of Gen Z, who were at the forefront of the recent anti-government protests, expressed their frustration, accusing Raila of “selling out” after he missed out on the AU chairmanship.
“We stood up for justice, and where was Odinga? Now he’s cozying up to the very government we were protesting against. This just isn’t right,” one youth shared on social media.
On the flip side, many older Kenyans, especially those who lived through the post-election violence of previous years, view the MoU as an essential compromise.
“We need peace and development. If Odinga and Ruto joining forces leads to stability, then so be it,” stated Jackson Otieno, a businessman in Nairobi.
With the opposition at a bit of a crossroads, there are still plenty of questions about what this MoU really means for Kenya’s political scene in the years ahead. Will Odinga keep leading the opposition, or is this the beginning of his slow exit from the spotlight?
And what about Kalonzo, Martha Karua, and the other opposition leaders—will they rise to the occasion and take on the roles left vacant by Odinga’s apparent truce with Ruto?
The Odinga-Ruto MoU has shaken things up in Kenya’s political landscape. Whether it’s a genuine effort for national unity or just a clever political strategy is still up for debate.
What’s evident, though, is that this agreement has split opinions among Kenyans; some see it as a move towards stability, while others view it as a betrayal of the opposition’s purpose.
Odinga recently reaped from the new bromance after more allies were picked by President Ruto to join the government which is currently termed as Broad Based Government. Dr Ouma Oluga was named Medical Services PS, Regina Ombam (Trade), and Cyrell Odede (Public Investments and Assets Management).
In a bold step to tackle the rising tensions in South Sudan, Ruto has also appointed Odinga as Kenya’s special envoy to the country. This decision comes on the heels of the recent arrest and house arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President and opposition leader, Riek Machar, along with his wife, Interior Minister Angelina Teny. Odinga is set to head to South Sudan on Friday, March 28 to lead initiatives aimed at preventing a flare-up of conflict in the area.
As the country keeps a close eye on how this new partnership develops, the pressing question remains: What does the future have in store for Kenya’s opposition and, even more crucially, for the upcoming 2027 elections?
*Courtesy of April Edition of PAV Magazine
