By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have formally executed a working agreement after extensive nationwide consultations regarding the political arrangement.
The ceremony, which took place at the KICC in Nairobi on Friday, represented a significant milestone as both leaders signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will guide the future direction of the nation.
Prior to the signing, the Secretary Generals of ODM and UDA, Edwin Sifuna and Hassan Omar, respectively, outlined the terms of the MoU, which will address the following matters; Full implementation of the NADCO Report, Inclusivity in all public life, Protecting and strengthening devolution, Promoting and protecting the livelihoods of young people, Leadership and Integrity, Right to peaceful assembly and protest, National debt, Fight against corruption, Stopping wastage of public resources and promote government efficiency and Protecting the Sovereignty of the people, the rule of law and constitutionalism.
The ODM Party has been vocally urging the government to act on the NADCO report, asserting that it would resolve 90 percent of the concerns faced by Kenyans.
This report was produced in response to the protests that erupted after the 2022 General Election, during which Raila alleged that the elections were manipulated.
The ODM Party leader Hon. Raila Odinga said that they have agreed with President Ruto to address the challenges faced by Kenyans.
“I took time to meet with my people and leadership to get the feeling of my supporters over this deal. We have agreed to use our parties as a platform to address the critical challenges facing the country,” Raila Odinga said.
Mr. Odinga also reported that the MoU they have signed with President Ruto does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA.
On the other hand, President William Ruto highlighted that the broad-based arrangement they have is inspired by how they can cross ranks and deal with the issues that affect the people of Kenya and not what’s in it for him or Raila.