Nairobi, Kenya – ODM leader Raila Odinga has defended his decision to sign a political cooperation agreement with President William Ruto, saying the deal is meant to stabilise the country and address its deep-seated challenges.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during the signing ceremony on Friday, Raila explained that the agreement aims to ease tensions and foster national unity by tackling Kenya’s social, economic, and political problems.
The ODM leader revealed that the agreement had been in the works for some time, with teams from both ODM and Ruto’s UDA party drafting the document.
However, he delayed signing it to allow for further consultations, particularly with his supporters.
“The two teams had already finalised the agreement and wanted it signed, but I told them I would not do so until I consulted our people,” Raila said.
He added that after traveling across at least 10 counties and engaging with Kenyans, he was convinced the deal was the right move.
“That was what we call random sampling—I wanted to feel the pulse of my supporters. After hearing their views, I am now here to sign this document,” he stated.
Raila clarified that the agreement is strictly between ODM and UDA, not the larger Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which brings together multiple parties allied with President Ruto.
“The core objective of this MoU is to ease the prevailing tensions in the country,” he said, describing the deal as a step toward reconciliation and economic recovery.
He stressed that Kenya’s challenges require pragmatic leadership, not political grandstanding.
“As leaders of the two largest political parties, we have agreed to build our country rather than tear it down. We will use our parties as broad platforms to bring together diverse voices, opinions, and concerns,” he said.
