President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have reached a historic political agreement that will see their respective parties—United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)—work together. This development marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, bringing together two of the country’s most influential political figures.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized at an event held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The high-profile event was attended by key political leaders from both Kenya Kwanza-affiliated parties and ODM. The agreement is expected to shape Kenya’s governance, political stability, and socio-economic progress in the coming years.
The MoU outlines several commitments by both parties, focusing on governance, economic reforms, inclusivity, and national integrity. Below are the major aspects of the agreement:
Both leaders committed to the full implementation of the NADCO report, which contains recommendations aimed at addressing governance issues, political inclusivity, and economic challenges in the country. The report is expected to be a blueprint for strengthening democracy and ensuring equitable representation.
The MoU recognizes the urgent need to tackle youth unemployment. The government and opposition will work together to create policies that generate job opportunities, invest in vocational training, and promote entrepreneurship. This move is expected to empower young people and reduce social unrest linked to joblessness.
A major highlight of the agreement is the commitment to implementing the constitutional two-thirds gender rule. This principle, enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, mandates that no gender should occupy more than two-thirds of elective and appointive public positions. The MoU signals a renewed push to ensure gender inclusivity in leadership.
The agreement prioritizes inclusivity regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The leaders acknowledged that ensuring fairness in public appointments and economic opportunities will foster national unity and reduce political polarization.
To promote transparency and accountability, Ruto and Raila agreed on measures to curb opulence among leaders. The MoU proposes a legal framework to address conflicts of interest within government institutions and strengthen ethical leadership.
Both leaders pledged to uphold Kenya’s Constitution and ensure that governance adheres to legal principles. The agreement emphasizes the protection of civil rights, justice for victims of human rights violations, and a commitment to democratic principles.
The government has committed to respecting the right to peaceful assembly, a crucial component of democratic governance. Additionally, victims of past human rights violations will receive compensation, signaling an effort to promote justice and reconciliation.
A significant aspect of the agreement is the commitment to auditing Kenya’s national debt. This initiative aims to provide transparency on how government loans were acquired and utilized, ensuring accountability in public debt management. The audit will offer clarity on the country’s financial obligations and help in planning sustainable economic policies.
Both Ruto and Raila have pledged to intensify the fight against corruption. The agreement includes measures to prevent the misuse of public funds and enhance accountability among public officials. The move signals a joint effort to root out financial mismanagement in government.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and strengthening devolution as outlined in the 2010 Constitution. Devolution has played a key role in bringing resources closer to the people, and the MoU ensures that county governments continue to function effectively without undue interference.
To ensure the success of the agreement, Ruto and Raila have agreed to hold frequent consultations on pressing national issues. They will also engage experts to provide insights and solutions on critical governance and economic matters.
The signing of this MoU marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political landscape. It signals a shift from the traditional rivalry between Ruto and Raila towards a more collaborative approach in governance. The agreement is expected to:Promote political stability: By reducing political tensions between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, the agreement fosters a more stable political environment.Enhance governance and accountability: The commitment to transparency, rule of law, and anti-corruption measures will strengthen governance structures.Boost economic growth: Addressing youth unemployment, auditing public debt, and promoting inclusivity will have a positive impact on the economy.Strengthen democracy: Upholding constitutional principles and ensuring the protection of civil rights reinforces Kenya’s democratic institutions.
The MoU between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga is a groundbreaking agreement that aims to unify political forces for the greater good of the country. While the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation, the commitment to addressing governance issues, corruption, unemployment, and national inclusivity marks a positive step forward for Kenya. As the country moves ahead, Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether this partnership will bring about tangible change or merely serve as another political maneuver.
By Kenyans