By Violet Auma.
Kenya’s political landscape has once again shifted with the recent coalition pact between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The agreement, signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), seeks to create a framework for cooperation between Raila’s ODM party and the ruling Kenya Kwanza government.
While leaders from both sides have praised it as a step toward national unity, critics argue it could be a strategic move ahead of the 2027 elections.
President Ruto has defended the deal, saying, “This agreement is about uniting the country and ensuring that all leaders work together for the benefit of Kenyans.”
Raila Odinga, on his part, stated, “We have always advocated for dialogue and national cohesion. This agreement provides an opportunity to address key challenges facing our people.”
However, some political analysts argue that the pact could diminish the role of the opposition, with one expert noting, “Kenya needs a strong opposition to keep the government in check. When the opposition joins the government, accountability can be compromised.”
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has also weighed in, dismissing speculation about his absence during the signing of the agreement.
“There should be no misunderstandings about my commitment. I fully support this agreement because it is a step towards unity and development,” he stated.
Farouk Kibet, an aide to the president, also expressed his support, saying, “This agreement will benefit Kenyans as it ensures that leaders work together to solve national issues.”
Several MPs from Western Kenya, including Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Emanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), and Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), echoed these sentiments.
“What we need is unity and development, and this agreement is a step in the right direction,” said Wangwe. Shinali added, “We must put political differences aside and work for the people.”
Following the highly contested 2007 presidential election that led to post-election violence, Raila Odinga and then-President Mwai Kibaki entered into a power-sharing agreement.
The National Accord and Reconciliation Act of 2008 led to the formation of the Grand Coalition Government, in which Raila became Prime Minister, sharing executive responsibilities with Kibaki.
At the signing, Raila stated, “We have decided to move forward together to heal the nation.” Kibaki also reassured Kenyans, saying, “This agreement marks the beginning of a new era of peace and reconciliation.”
However, tensions remained, with power struggles between the two camps occasionally disrupting governance.
After the controversial 2017 presidential election, which was annulled by the Supreme Court, Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta surprised the nation with a handshake on March 9, 2018.
This marked the beginning of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which aimed at constitutional reforms. “We must put aside our political differences for the good of the nation,” Raila said at the time.
Uhuru echoed his sentiments, stating, “Kenya is greater than any individual. This handshake is for the unity of our people.” While the handshake eased political tensions, it also led to divisions within the Jubilee Party, particularly between Uhuru and his then-Deputy William Ruto.
As Raila joins forces with Ruto, some critics question whether this will bring meaningful cooperation or merely set the stage for the next political realignment.
“History has shown that such coalitions are often driven by political interests rather than national unity,” a political commentator observed.
Others, however, see it as a positive step, with a government official remarking, “This agreement will ensure development projects benefit all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliations.”
From Kibaki to Uhuru and now Ruto, Raila Odinga’s coalition agreements have significantly shaped Kenya’s political landscape. Whether this new pact will foster lasting unity or fuel further political maneuvering remains to be seen.
