Ruto and Raila Sign Unity Pact at KICC, Pledging Reforms on Corruption, Sovereignty, and Devolution

([PHOTOS] Ruto, Raila sign political pact at KICC) President William Ruto (seated left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (seated right) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Nairobi’s Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on March 7, 2025 (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). The two leaders – once fierce rivals in Kenya’s 2022 election – came together to formalize a new political cooperation agreement between Ruto’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The historic MoU is a 10-point accord aimed at easing political tensions and tackling Kenya’s most pressing social, economic, and governance challenges (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation) (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation). Both Ruto and Raila emphasized that this is not a merger or coalition government, but rather a working framework to address national issues through a bipartisan approach (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke) (Ruto Vows to Ensure Raila Gets the Respect He Deserves – Kenyans.co.ke). The agreement – dubbed by some as a “handshake” deal – focuses on fostering national unity and safeguarding the public interest, while each leader’s party maintains its separate identity and role in Kenya’s democracy.

Key Points of the Ruto-Raila MoU

The MoU outlines a broad reform agenda for Kenya. Among the key commitments in the 10-point agreement are:

• Implementing Reform Proposals: Full implementation of the bipartisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which includes potential constitutional reforms (such as introducing a Prime Minister’s post) and enforcing the two-thirds gender representation rule in government (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). This indicates both leaders’ pledge to enact previously agreed-upon political and social reforms in order to strengthen governance structures.
• Inclusivity and Devolution: Ensuring inclusive governance by equalizing opportunities for all communities in public resource allocation and appointments. The MoU specifically vows to protect and strengthen devolution, guarding county governments’ powers from any rollback (Ruto-Raila Deal: The Difference Between a Cooperation Agreement and a Coalition – Kenyans.co.ke) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). This includes increasing funding to counties and guaranteeing timely disbursement of devolved funds so that local governments can deliver services effectively.
• Youth Empowerment and Economic Development: Launching major initiatives to promote youth employment and economic opportunity. Ruto and Raila agreed on urgent, large-scale investments in high-potential sectors – like agriculture, technology, mining, and the blue economy – to spur job creation for young Kenyans (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). They plan to roll out nationwide stimulus programs and ensure youth are actively included “at the table” in political and economic decision-making (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on).
• Leadership Integrity and Anti-Opulence: Upholding ethical leadership by curbing corruption and excessive luxury in public office. The leaders noted public concern over the “expression of opulence” and arrogance by some officials (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). The MoU calls for a new legal framework to eliminate conflicts of interest in the public sector and insists that public servants conduct themselves with dignity and respect toward citizens (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). Ostentatious lifestyles in government are to be discouraged, reinforcing the principle that leadership is about service, not personal enrichment (Ruto-Raila Deal: The Difference Between a Cooperation Agreement and a Coalition – Kenyans.co.ke).
• Protecting Civil Rights: Affirming the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest for all citizens. The agreement explicitly states that Kenyans must be able to demonstrate without hindrance (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). It provides for an amnesty for individuals arrested or charged over past protests and pledges compensation to victims who suffered harm from violations of their rights during demonstrations (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact) (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). The National Police Service is instructed to update its protocols for handling public gatherings to prevent heavy-handed responses in the future (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on).
• National Debt Audit and Fiscal Prudence: Confronting Kenya’s debt burden by demanding transparency and accountability in government borrowing. The MoU calls for a comprehensive audit of the national debt to determine how much has been borrowed in recent years and how those funds were utilized (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). Going forward, Ruto and Raila agreed to slow down the ballooning debt and ensure any new loans are used equitably for the benefit of all Kenyans (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact). In essence, they seek to prevent unsustainable debt and make sure all regions see the benefits of public borrowing.
• Strengthening the Fight Against Corruption: Moving from rhetoric to results in anti-graft efforts. The MoU asserts that Kenya “must move from the fight against corruption to winning the war against corruption,” underscoring impatience with mere lip service (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). To achieve this, the pact will empower key oversight institutions – notably the Auditor-General, the Controller of Budget, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) – by enhancing their capacity and independence (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). Both leaders signaled a joint resolve to end the culture of impunity by ensuring those involved in graft are held accountable.
• Ending Waste and Ensuring Efficiency: The agreement commits to eliminate wastage of public resources and promote efficiency in government operations. Ruto and Raila want a new ethos of frugality in public expenditure at both national and county levels (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). This means unnecessary expenditures will be cut and every shilling should be justified in terms of public value. By instilling austerity measures and streamlining government spending, the leaders aim to restore public confidence that taxpayer money is being used responsibly.
• Safeguarding Sovereignty, Rule of Law, and Freedoms: Finally, the MoU prioritizes the sovereignty of the people and constitutional order. It condemns the “spectre of abductions and extrajudicial killings,” vowing to put a stop to such abuses of power (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). All government officials must obey court orders and uphold the rule of law, challenging any judgments only through legal channels (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). The pact also calls for unwavering respect for free speech, media freedom, and the strengthening of political parties as pillars of democracy (Ruto Vows to Ensure Raila Gets the Respect He Deserves – Kenyans.co.ke) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on). In short, the leaders committed to guard Kenya’s sovereignty and democratic space by ensuring law enforcement and authorities operate within the bounds of the Constitution.

Reactions from Political Leaders and Stakeholders

([PHOTOS] Ruto, Raila sign political pact at KICC) President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and allied leaders wave to supporters outside KICC after signing their unity pact on March 7, 2025 ([PHOTOS] Ruto, Raila sign political pact at KICC). The announcement of the Ruto-Raila agreement elicited mixed reactions across Kenya’s political spectrum – with many hailing it as a unifying breakthrough, and others decrying it as a betrayal of the opposition’s role. Public response on the day of the signing was largely celebratory. Crowds of Nairobi residents flooded the KICC grounds, singing, dancing – some even splashing in fountains – in joy at seeing the two long-time rivals join hands (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). The festive atmosphere reflected hopes that this deal will usher in an era of peace and national cohesion after months of unrest.

Within Ruto’s and Raila’s camps, leaders praised the pact as a statesmanlike act. “I’m a proud Kenyan to see what is happening here today…courageous decisions are made by courageous people,” declared Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, commending Ruto and Raila for burying their differences for the country’s sake (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). Kindiki lauded the unity on display, saying it proves “the future of Kenya looks great courtesy of the decisions that the two of you have made.” Gladys Wanga, ODM Party Chair and Governor of Homa Bay, welcomed the partnership as a move that will enhance equity and inclusion nationwide. “Nobody can fault unity. Nobody can fault equity,” Wanga said, noting that Ruto and Raila’s coming together shows they believe the nation is bigger than individual ambitions (Ruto, Raila sign deal to work together). On the ruling party side, Cecily Mbarire, the UDA Chairperson, echoed that sentiment. She praised the openness of the process, pointing out that after extensive consultations the agreement was signed in public for all Kenyans to see – not in secret backrooms – a sign that “the nation will always remain bigger than individual and party interests” (Ruto, Raila sign deal to work together). According to Mbarire, this pact demonstrates a shared commitment to put Kenya first and creates space for everyone in a unity government approach, “because you could have decided to stick to your hardline positions…we are telling them nationalism is bigger than regionalism” (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact).

Prominent civil society and business voices also expressed optimism about the deal. The veteran trade union leader Francis Atwoli, Secretary-General of COTU, applauded Ruto and Raila for prioritizing stability. He argued that Kenya’s economic growth has long been hindered by endless politicking, which hurts job creation and investor confidence (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). Atwoli said the MoU’s implementation will “usher in a period of political tranquility, inclusivity and growth,” especially benefiting workers and ordinary citizens who suffer most during turmoil (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). He emphasized that unity and stability must transcend individual ambition, and that even the opposition’s role is not merely to oppose, but to provide constructive oversight for the good of the country (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). Many business groups similarly hoped that a calmer political climate would improve the economic outlook.

On the other hand, the deal faced fierce criticism from some opposition quarters. Leading the charge was Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a long-time ally of Odinga who was not part of the new agreement. Kalonzo blasted the Ruto-Raila pact as “the biggest betrayal of Kenyans”, accusing Odinga of abandoning his role as the people’s watchdog. “What has come out of KICC today is the biggest betrayal… The People’s Loyal Coalition will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” he declared on social media, referring to the opposition alliance he leads (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact) (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). Kalonzo’s anger signals a fracture in the opposition: he and other Odinga allies-turned-critics feel that joining hands with the government compromises the ideals they fought for. Kalonzo vowed to continue pressing the government on reforms from outside, even announcing plans for public rallies to protest the pact and certain government policies (like new taxes and a housing levy) that he deems punitive (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke). He rallied youths to “unite in holding President Ruto and his partner accountable” for human rights and economic justice issues (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke).

Another outspoken critic is Okiya Omtatah, the Busia Senator and renowned human rights crusader. Omtatah lambasted the MoU as a capitulation that could ruin Kenya’s future. Speaking at a civil society forum, he warned, “Anybody supporting NADCO must be removed from public life. Raila Odinga and William Ruto have declared war on the future of this country” (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke). Omtatah’s chief objection is the MoU’s endorsement of the NADCO proposals (a product of a 2023 bipartisan dialogue) which he believes are flawed; he sees the pact as a self-serving elite bargain that sidelines the public. He even described the agreement as a “stumbling block” to Kenya’s prosperity, promising to challenge Ruto and Raila “head-on” (“mundu khumudu” in Luhya) over it (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact). Like Kalonzo, Omtatah is concerned that by co-opting the opposition, the government will face less scrutiny. These critics argue that Odinga has effectively surrendered the opposition’s oversight role in exchange for a share in power – a trade-off they claim could erode democracy. Their stance sets the stage for a new alignment where Musyoka, Omtatah, and others will attempt to rally disillusioned citizens and keep the government in check from the outside.

Implications for Kenya’s Governance and Political Landscape

With the ink now dry on the MoU, Kenya is entering a new political chapter whose outcomes will unfold in the coming months. Governance in the near term is likely to become more collaborative and less confrontational. By bringing the opposition on board, President Ruto may have removed the immediate trigger for street protests that periodically rocked the country in 2023 and early 2024. Raila Odinga himself noted that the pact should “help ease tension in our country”, acknowledging that simply standing aside and criticizing had proven insufficient (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke). This détente could create a more stable environment for policymaking – a point celebrated by observers like Atwoli, who stressed that stability and unity are prerequisites for economic growth (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). With both sides committed to the same reform agenda, critical issues such as the cost of living and youth unemployment can be addressed through legislation and executive action with bipartisan support, rather than being points of street agitation (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation) (Inside Ruto-Raila power agreement, and what it means for Kenya). For example, one of the first tasks will be conducting the national debt audit; Ruto remarked that earlier attempts to audit Kenya’s debt faltered, but “with this broad formation, we will now be able to audit our debt” – indicating confidence that Odinga’s backing gives such initiatives greater political momentum ([PHOTOS] Ruto, Raila sign political pact at KICC). In essence, the unity pact could lend legitimacy and urgency to governance reforms that might otherwise stall due to partisan rancor.

However, the MoU also blurs the traditional lines between government and opposition, bringing significant shifts to Kenya’s political landscape. Odinga’s ODM party joining hands with Ruto’s administration creates a de facto government of national unity. In the short term, this bipartisan alliance may ensure the government faces little obstruction in Parliament, smoothing the passage of constitutional amendments or bills required to implement the MoU’s agenda. Yet it simultaneously raises questions about the robustness of checks and balances. With the main opposition leader now cooperating with the President, who will hold the government accountable? This concern is precisely what Musyoka and Omtatah have seized upon – positioning themselves to lead a remnant opposition movement outside of ODM. We may witness a reconfiguration where Kalonzo’s camp becomes the principal voice of dissent, aiming to keep the government honest (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke) (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke). There is also the potential intra-coalition tension to consider: within Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance, not all figures may be happy about embracing their former rival. (Notably, reports indicate Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had previously vowed there would be “no handshake” with Odinga – an ironic footnote now that one has occurred (Kenyans unearth past video of Ruto saying his govt will never …).) Managing the expectations and ambitions of various players in the enlarged ruling arrangement will be a delicate balancing act for Ruto.

One of the most significant implications lies in the possibility of constitutional changes and power-sharing arrangements emerging from the deal. The MoU’s commitment to implement the NADCO report signals that proposals like the creation of a Prime Minister position and other governance reforms are on the table (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation) (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke). If a new Prime Minister’s post is established, it could potentially be offered to Raila Odinga as part of the understanding – marking his return to government in an executive capacity for the first time since 2008. Such a move would require a constitutional amendment (hence the need for broad political consensus) and would fundamentally alter Kenya’s executive structure. Indeed, speculation is rife that the cooperation could evolve into a power-sharing deal. According to one report by The Star, sources suggest Odinga’s camp might eventually be given up to “50 per cent of government” positions, including the nomination of several Cabinet Secretaries, in a 50-50 arrangement (Yet another handshake: Ruto to hand Raila team jobs in 50-50 power deal). This would effectively remove ODM from the opposition and integrate it into the government. Officially, both Ruto and Raila have downplayed this scenario, maintaining that the MoU is about issue-based collaboration, not a coalition government carve-up (Ruto Vows to Ensure Raila Gets the Respect He Deserves – Kenyans.co.ke) ([PHOTOS] Ruto, Raila sign political pact at KICC). It remains to be seen how far the partnership goes – whether it stays as cooperation on reforms or transitions into a fuller coalition with shared executive power. The answer will likely depend on the MoU’s implementation progress and the political calculations each side makes as the 2027 elections draw closer.

Looking further ahead, the impact on the 2027 general election is a subject of intense debate. By striking this deal, President Ruto may have neutralized his strongest rival’s opposition campaign well ahead of the next election – potentially securing himself a smoother path to re-election if he runs, or at least a more orderly political climate in the interim. With Odinga seemingly on his side (or at least not actively opposing him), Ruto’s administration could enjoy a period of relative calm to deliver on its promises, something that could boost public approval. If Kenyans see tangible improvements – such as reduced corruption, economic relief, or stronger local governance – the Ruto-Raila partnership might be vindicated in voters’ eyes. On the flip side, critics warn that if this pact is perceived as elite power-sharing for self-interest, it could backfire. Odinga risks alienating a portion of his base that may feel he “sold out,” which could open space for new opposition figures to rise before 2027. Already, leaders like Musalia Mudavadi (Ruto’s Prime Cabinet Secretary) and Kalonzo Musyoka could recalibrate their strategies depending on how this alliance evolves. It’s also possible that come election time, the ODM–UDA understanding could fracture if either side feels the other didn’t hold up their end of the bargain or if public backlash grows. In the meantime, all eyes will be on how the government accommodates Odinga’s camp: any appointment of ODM politicians to high positions will be seen as confirmation of a coalition in all but name. Conversely, if the partnership stays focused on policy and avoids overt power-sharing, it might reassure skeptics that the opposition’s independence is not completely lost.

In summary, the Ruto-Raila MoU is a significant gamble with potentially far-reaching consequences. It promises to unite Kenya’s leadership in addressing longstanding issues – from corruption and ethnic exclusion to unemployment and respect for the rule of law – and indeed could usher in much-needed political stability (Ruto Vows to Ensure Raila Gets the Respect He Deserves – Kenyans.co.ke) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development). For the average Kenyan, if this unity government delivers reforms that lower living costs, create jobs, and curb graft, it will be seen as a positive turning point. The pact also symbolically heals some of the political divisions that have often split the nation. However, this approach tests the strength of Kenya’s democracy by blurring the line between government and opposition. The true measure of the handshake’s success will lie in implementation: will the lofty commitments to fight corruption, protect sovereignty, and strengthen devolution be carried out, or will they get lost in political deal-making? As Kenya navigates this new experiment in consensus politics, both President Ruto and Raila Odinga have staked their legacies on making it work – and Kenyans will be watching closely to hold them to their word.

Sources: The Star (What Ruto, Raila agreed on in new pact) (Mixed reactions greet Ruto-Raila political pact) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on) (Details of 10 issues Ruto, Raila have agreed to work on), Daily Nation (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation) (Ruto, Raila: This is why we signed a political pact | Nation), Citizen Digital (Inside Ruto-Raila power agreement, and what it means for Kenya), Kenyans.co.ke (Ruto-Raila Deal: The Difference Between a Cooperation Agreement and a Coalition – Kenyans.co.ke) (Kalonzo, Omtatah Lead Opposition to Ruto-Raila Pact Amid PM Office Reports – Kenyans.co.ke), Capital FM (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development) (Atwoli: Ruto, Raila political pact will usher in inclusivity and development), et al.