President William Ruto and
ODM boss Raila Odinga have inked
a political deal, setting the stage for
an epic battle with the opposition,
most of whom were only months ago
part of their inner political sanctums.
The Raila-Ruto deal listed many
broad issues to be dealt with, among
them protecting devolution, compensating victims of rights abuses
and auditing of the national debt.
The power-sharing deal was, however not made public.
The Star exclusively reported on
Friday that the two political parties, UDA
and ODM, would share top government slots equally, thrusting Raila
to the apex of the Executive despite
holding no official role.
In a dramatic turn, Raila’s 2022
team has now teamed up with Ruto’s
former deputy Rigathi Gachagua in a bid to make the UDA leader a one-term president.
Interestingly, Rail,a who went flat
out against Ruto’s victory in the last
election by challenging the result at
the Supreme Court and calling for
months of street protests is now
playing the political chess on his side.
In 202, Raila teamed up with
Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha
Karua (PLP) and Eugene Wamalwa
(DAP-K) but lost to President Ruto.
Kalonzo, Karua, Eugene and Gachagua have now teamed up and are
promising to face Ruto and Raila as
a single team.
The Friday deal was the final signal that Raila had parted ways with
his longtime allies.
The entry of Raila into Ruto’s
camp now makes it the team to beat
as it boasts who is who in Kenya’s
politics.
Apart from Raila, Ruto has Prime
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Mining CS Hassan
Joho and Deputy President Kithure
Kindiki.
Even though the leaders indicated
the ODM-UDA framework agreement is not about Ruto’s 2027 elections, Raila hinted at chances of the
deal between the two largest political
parties metamorphosing into a pact.
“We make it clear that the memorandum we have signed today does
not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and
UDA,” Raila said.
“However, its successful implementation could inform the basis
of steps towards establishment of a
broadly constituted and progressive
formation for a stable country in future.”
After touring at least 10 counties
across different regions, Raila said he
gained a clear understanding of what
Kenyans wanted.
“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.
Ruto said the deal signed at Kenyatta International Convention Centre had nothing to do with 2027 but
was meant to serve the interest of
Kenyans.
“This arrangement is not about
sharing positions or winning elections, it is about Kenyans’ interests.
It’s time we closed ranks as a country,” he noted.
“We haven’t made the steps and
decisions that would make this country great because we have been making politically correct decisions.”
He lauded the former premier for demonstrating bravery by working
with the government and putting
Kenyans first.
“I must congratulate Raila Odinga and the courage he has to make
difficult decisions; not many leaders
can make the kind of decisions he
has made. Very few people can put
the interest of the nation above their
personal interest,” Ruto stated.
Raila, a stalwart of Kenyan politics, has historically been a formidable opposition figure and famed for
coalition building, some of which
have won power.
The veteran opposition chief
urged Kenyans to rally behind the
newfound formation for the bigger
interest of the country.
The announcement is likely to
shift the political landscape at a time
the Gachagua-Kalonzo camp is consolidating the opposition to render
Ruto a one-term president in 2027.
The political realignment has
already triggered mixed reactions
across the country with former allies
terming Raila’s move a big betrayal.
Critics argue that Raila’s newfound alliance with Ruto contradicts
his long-standing opposition to the
Kenya Kwanza policies he has repeatedly criticised.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka
took to his social media platforms
moments after the deal was unveiled,
terming the move a big betrayal of
ideals.
“What has come out of KICC
today is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. The people’s loyal opposition
will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” Kalonzo said.
But for Raila’s lieutenants the deal
is a demonstration of statesmanship
and a good move towards uniting
the country.
“The decision by the two great
leaders of our time to partner despite bitter rivalry reminds us that
the country remains greater than all
of us. The 60 plus years of history
of this nation must be rewritten to
ensure we have an inclusive society
and end the sense of entitlement
from some leaders,” Uriri MP Mark
Nyamita told the Star.
“It is a big day, as a party and our
party leader we have consulted and
ODM has done likewise. This agreement in my understanding, is not
about 2027 but working for the people of Kenya and delivering on key
issues that are dear to Kenyans,” said
Kericho Governor Eric Mutai.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the KICC, the two political
titans urged Kenyans who are interested in having a stable, inclusive
and progressive country to support
the deal.