Prime Minister Raila Odinga and one of his arch-rivals in the Kibaki succession contest, Eldoret North MP William Ruto met last night, at a secret location, in a session that explored the likelihood of a coalition between ODM and URP.
The meeting came less than a week after Ruto met two other presidential aspirants, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka to cement efforts of crafting a pre-election pact.
Though sources have authoritatively confirmed that the meeting took place, Ruto denied that the meeting happened, while Odinga’s team was unavailable for comment. Francis Gachuri reports.
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President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have held multiple private meetings in recent years, signaling a shift from their previous political rivalry toward collaboration on national issues.
Key Meetings and Agreements
July 28, 2023: Ruto and Odinga met in Mombasa, mediated by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. The discussions focused on addressing the high cost of living, electoral justice, and strengthening multiparty democracy.
This meeting led to the cessation of anti-government protests and a commitment to resolve issues through dialogue.
March 7, 2025: The two leaders signed a formal political pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). This agreement outlined a framework for regular consultations on critical government policies, aiming to reduce national tensions and foster cooperative governance.
Speculations and Criticisms
Despite the official agreements, there has been speculation about the nature of these meetings.
In March 2025, reports emerged of a secret meeting between Raila Odinga, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Jubilee Vice Chairman David Murathe at Mawe Mazuri Resort in Watamu. This raised questions about Odinga’s political direction and his relationship with Ruto.
Critics, including political analyst Nanjala Nyabola and Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have expressed concerns that these collaborations may erode the role of the opposition in Kenya’s parliamentary system.
Current Status
As of May 2025, the political landscape remains dynamic. While the formal agreements between Ruto and Odinga suggest a move towards unity, the underlying tensions and speculations indicate that the future of their collaboration is still uncertain.
The coming months are expected to provide more clarity on whether this partnership will lead to lasting political realignment or if it will face challenges from within and outside their respective parties.
