Jubilee Party Vice Chairman David Murathe has broken his silence on the recent secret meeting between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga in Kilifi, a gathering that has ignited fresh political speculation.
The two leaders met on Monday at a luxurious hotel in Watamu, with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro also in attendance.
The meeting comes at a time when pressure is mounting on Raila Odinga to sign a political deal with President William Ruto, a move that could significantly alter Kenya’s political landscape.
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Speaking on the meeting, Murathe dismissed claims that the two leaders were engaging in political negotiations, insisting that their encounter was purely coincidental.
“Baba (Raila) was in Kilifi for his ODM engagements. He was informed that Uhuru was nearby and decided to visit him. It was not a planned meeting,” Murathe stated.
He further revealed that Governor Mung’aro left early and that as the host, he only offered them tea. Another ODM official, speaking anonymously, also insisted that the meeting was not pre-arranged.
Despite Murathe’s denial, political analysts are questioning the real agenda behind the meeting, with many believing it was part of ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The timing is particularly significant, as the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to hold a National Leadership Committee meeting to discuss a potential political agreement with ODM.
Reports indicate that a high-ranking State House official has suggested that a formal deal between UDA and ODM could be signed as early as Friday.
Meanwhile, Odinga has been holding consultations with his allies to decide whether to work with Ruto or maintain his opposition stance.
The ODM leadership is set to convene another meeting this week to deliberate on the way forward. Last week, the party’s National Executive Committee met in Kisumu, where they formed a technical team led by political analyst Prof. Adams Oloo and lawyer Jackson Awele to evaluate the potential partnership with Ruto’s UDA.
By Nairobi