On March 7, 2025, President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) between their respective political parties, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This MoU is a significant step in political cooperation and follows the adoption of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report in 2023, which both leaders had endorsed.
The deal between the Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was on Friday officially signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The agreement addresses a range of pressing issues affecting the country. Key areas of focus include reducing the high cost of living, tackling unemployment, and ensuring the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule. The MoU also emphasizes equal resource distribution and the importance of merit-based appointments, with a commitment to moving beyond ethnic-based politics.
In addition, the partnership seeks to strengthen devolution and improve critical sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and the blue economy. There is also a strong focus on creating job opportunities for the youth, supporting innovation, and addressing national development challenges.
This MoU signals the potential for a political alliance between Ruto and Odinga, possibly paving the way for a joint 2027 presidential bid. The agreement marks a major shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
