The two leaders, bitter political rivals in the past, signed a memorandum of understanding specifying how they will relate going forward.
The agreement between the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party centred on a host of critical issues affecting the country as of today. The MoU, signed by ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and UDA’s Hassan Omar, revolved around the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report Ruto and Raila adopted in 2023.
Top of the agenda, as borne in the NADCO report, is settling the high cost of living, finding jobs for the unemployed public and the actualisation of the two-thirds gender rule in the country’s governance scope. The MoU also sanctioned the equal appropriation of resources and appointments to all Kenyans regardless of their ethnic extractions, for “Kenya belongs to all regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or geographic location.”
Further, the two leaders also agreed to streamline and improve such critical sectors of the economy as ICT, agriculture, mining and blue economy in which the unemployed youths could extract jobs.
They also pledged to adhere to the leadership and integrity standards by curbing excessive spending in the public sector and establishing legal mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest among government bureaucrats. The MoU also affirmed the protection of constitutional rights, including the freedom to demonstrate. Ruto and Raila appreciated the ballooning public debt burden and committed to finding sustainable solutions to improve fiscal responsibility and standing. Their agreement also underscored the essence of an independent and strengthened anti-corruption agenda.
He, however, did not rule out the likelihood of a political formation for the next vote, saying the possibility of working together in 2027 will be determined by the MoU’s implementation. Could Ruto-Raila MoU have clauses about 2027? Communication strategist Weswa Biketi told TUKO.co.ke that the deal between Ruto and Raila could extend to a possible political merger in 2027. “I’m not persuaded that the president and the former prime minister signed that MoU without having 2027 politics in mind. As a student of communication, I have learnt to listen not only to what is being said, but also to what is not being said. In this MoU, what was not said could actually what it’s all about,” argued Biketi.
Scholar and communication consultant Barack Muluka had earlier told TUKO.co.ke that Raila made up his mind to work with Ruto long before he started consulting his supporters. Muluka, who worked closely with the former premier in the run-up to the 2007 General Election, said every time the ODM leader walks into a high-profile meeting accompanied by lawyer Paul Mwangi, chances are high a deal is on the table.
