President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga sign an MoU at KICC on March 7, 2025.President William Ruto and Raila Odinga on Friday signed a political pact between the opposition ODM and the ruling UDA party.
The signing was preceded by Raila's countrywide consultations with party members in his traditional support bases to gather views on his next political move.
The leaders said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is aimed at addressing Kenya's social, economic and political challenges in 2025.
The two leaders emphasised that the right to protest is a constitutional right that all Kenyans must enjoy without hindrance.
News of the pact was received with mixed feelings from Kenyans and leaders alike.
Some Kenyans expressed joy and hope for the country, saying the move will unite Kenyans for a better future.
During the signing of the pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Kenyans thronged the event, danced and sang as the leaders finalised the deal.
Some ODM supporters were seen dancing in water while others took a bath at KICC.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki welcomed the sigining of the MoU, which will see the duo's parties work together.
Kindiki lauded the move, commending Ruto and Raila for burrying their differences to work on a deal that will propel the country forward.
"I'm a proud Kenyan to see what is happening here today because as other speakers have said, courageous decisions are made by courageous people,’’ Kindiki said.
"And therefore, our coming here to witness this decision is a testament that the future of Kenya looks great courtesy of the decisions that the two of you have made.’’
Kindiki said the decision by the two to unite despite coming from two different sides deserves tremendous praise.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the Peace and Partnership Agreement between Ruto and Raila is a betrayal to Kenyans.
“What has come out of KICC today is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. The People's Loyal Coalition will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” Kalonzo said in a statement on X.
Vitalis Ngoka said: “Raila Odinga, a seasoned opposition leader, must unify his base and present a transformative vision to challenge Ruto effectively. Political alliances and economic conditions will be a decisive key figure in 2027.”
UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire Cecily Mbarire congratulated Ruto and Raila saying it was great that they had chosen to work together "because you could have decided to stick to your hardline positions, decide you are the tough guys."
"To the politicians out there who are stuck to regionalism, we are telling them nationalism is bigger than regionalism," she said.
Mbarire said those leaders who still believe being on the minority side denies them a voice need to know that there's a place for everyone in the unity government.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah dismissed the MoU terming it a stumbling block Kenya's prosperity and vowed to take Ruto and Raila on "mundu khumudu" (head-on).
As part of the agreement, Raila and Ruto pledged to compensate victims of past protests.
The National Police Service, the deal states, must also update its approach to managing demonstrations and public gatherings.
Regarding the national debt, the MoU stipulates that an urgent audit must be conducted to establish how much has been borrowed in the past and how it has been utilised.
The document stressed the need to slowly address the ballooning of national debt and ensure accountability on future borrowing.
