NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 7 – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has approved a joint framework with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During the meeting, President William Ruto hailed it as a commitment to national unity and a bipartisan approach to governance.
ODM supporters have been singing and dancing outside Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in anticipation the major announcement between President Ruto and Raila.
Since his unsuccessful Africa Union Commission Chairperson bid, Raila has held meetings in Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Busia, Kilifi, Kwale, Wajir, ramping up his consultations in Kisii on Thursday before announcing his next political move.
Raila called for patriotism and urged Kenyans to abandon political suspicion.
Speaking during the burial of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo on March 1, President Ruto urged leaders to set aside political interests and prioritize national unity.
“We must ensure that our constitution, which is rated among the best in the world, is fully implemented,” he said. “Once this is done, bad governance and corruption will be relegated to the museum.”
President Ruto has hinted at upcoming political realignments, advocating for a collaboration agreement with opposition parties, starting with ODM.
“We need to be patriotic about Kenya. We can disagree, but we must never disagree on the destiny of Kenya,” he said.
Ruto dismissed leaders opposing his unity efforts, even as figures in the opposition—led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—begin forming alliances to challenge his leadership in 2027.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe in. We share a country and a destiny. If Kenya succeeds, we all succeed. If Kenya fails, none of us succeeds,” Ruto said.
President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been working together since July 2024 when the President reconstituted his cabinet by appointing five senior ODM members to prime positions.
