Barely two weeks after ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto, he has become a magnet for real executive power.
His private Capitol Hill office is now a hub of political activity, with shifting political fortunes confounding both critics and allies regarding his actual role within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Despite holding no official position, Raila is hosting senior government officials for consultations at his private office, demonstrating his growing influence in the government.
Until May 2024, Raila was largely seen as an outsider in government circles. Today, however, he has transformed into a key political figure within the system.
Over the past two days, the ODM leader has met with influential figures and attended a state banquet for a visiting royal family—further underscoring his rising stature.
Additionally, Raila has been holding meetings with county government officials at his Upper Hill office, reinforcing perceptions of his increasing influence within Ruto’s administration.
University of Nairobi History and Diplomacy lecturer Dr Richard Bosire suggested that Raila’s newfound power could indicate a behind-the-scenes agreement with Ruto, allowing him to assume certain unofficial responsibilities.
“It appears Raila has taken on some functions and is performing those roles, even though they are not constitutionally defined within the government structure,” Bosire told the Star.
“From his actions, we can infer that the president has allowed him to take on certain responsibilities outside the formal government framework to solidify their relationship.”
On March 7, Raila signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ruto’s UDA party, establishing a framework for cooperation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Since then, Raila’s presence in the Kenya Kwanza administration has been increasingly noticeable, with President Ruto showering him with praise.
“Raila Odinga is a foremost patriotic leader who has decided that the unity, progress, and transformation of our nation are of utmost importance to all of us,” Ruto said on March 14.
Raila’s Capitol Hill office has seen an influx of politicians and key figures seeking government attention as his new role continues to take shape.
Highlighting the growing camaraderie between Raila and Ruto, the ODM leader attended a state banquet at State House on Tuesday night in honour of the visiting King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
Raila was seated at the high table next to the king, after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi—who would ordinarily occupy such a prominent seat as the head of Cabinet Secretaries and the de facto Foreign Affairs CS—was seated opposite Raila.
Reports indicate that numerous influential figures, including governors, principal secretaries, and cabinet secretaries, are frequently visiting Raila’s office for consultations.
“Mzee is a busy man all day, and his diary is always fully booked,” said an officer at Capitol Hill familiar with Raila’s schedule.
“It’s not just a matter of someone walking in to see Baba—appointments are made in advance due to the overwhelming number of requests.”
Notably, Raila has also adopted a more formal dress code, frequently wearing suits to match the executive nature of his meetings.
Hours before attending the state banquet, Raila held discussions with UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan at Capitol Hill.
Raila stated that their talks centred on Kenya’s long-standing relationship with the UK, the state of the nation, and evolving global dynamics.
“I was happy to learn that the UK is keen to strengthen ties with our counties through a shift from traditional aid to economic investment,” Raila wrote on his X page.
“I was also pleased to hear from Wigan about the UK and Europe’s commitment to maintaining engagement with the international community, including Africa, on matters that sustain the global order.”
On the same day, Raila met with Tana River Governor Maj (Rtd) Dr. Dhadho Godhana and other county leaders for consultations.
Additionally, he held discussions with a delegation of political leaders from Vihiga County, led by Governor Dr. Wilbur Otichilo and ODM Deputy Leader Senator Godfrey Osotsi, to deliberate on county development matters.
Raila’s growing political influence mirrors his experience after his 2018 handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Although he held no formal executive position between 2018 and 2022, Raila’s influence was comparable to that of a co-president, with Uhuru frequently consulting him.
At times, the two leaders even drove around Nairobi and Kisumu to inspect development projects, highlighting the depth of their partnership.
That handshake sidelined then-Deputy President Ruto in the government he had helped form with Uhuru.
The handshake gave rise to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), a constitutional reform process aimed at restructuring governance.
