President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have inked a formal political deal in a bid for the two parties to cooperate.
The Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework, signed at KICC on Friday, March 7, will enable inclusivity across the country and expand opportunities for all Kenyans in public service appointments.
In the deal, the leaders will ensure full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, enforce the two-thirds gender rule and address the problem of youth unemployment.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who was present at the event said, “strong leaders think the nation, weak leaders think division.”
Speaking after the deal, UDA party chairperson Cecily Mbarire said Kenya will always remain bigger than individual and party interests.
“We are moving forward as one united party,” said Mbarire. “I am happy that today, after rumors in the media, we’re not signing an agreement behind closed doors in some private space.”
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ODM Party chair and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga also welcomed the move, claiming it will improve equity in the country. Wanga said the unity surpasses Ruto and Raila thanks to the fact that the two leaders have witnessed it all in Kenya’s political space that keep changing like opinion polls.
“The unity and stability and prosperity of this country is not the responsibility of a few; it is the responsibility of all of us, as a nation. And while we may have different political persuasions and come from different parts of the country and different schools of thought, nobody can fault unity. Nobody can fault equity,” she said
She added: “This unity that you have put together today is not about the two of you… this unity is for the young people, women, the marginalized…it is for all Kenyans who have felt like they have never been part of Kenya.”
Kisumu County Governor prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said such pacts have enabled rapid economic growth and reshaped political parameters. “We must pray for them… your (Ruto-Raila’s) bed is not made of rosses. It is made of thorns. And the thorns are here. Thank you for making that brave decision… some make sacrifices and decisions that (only) serve their interests,” Nyong’o said.
