Raila Affirms Political Commitment to Ruto in Personal Letter
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has officially joined forces with President William Ruto, marking a major shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
A letter from Odinga, dated March 3, 2025, confirmed his commitment to working with Ruto. The letter, received on March 4, expressed gratitude for Ruto’s support in Odinga’s failed bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, where he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on February 15.
A Historic Political Alliance
On March 8, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) signed a formal agreement with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
This unexpected alliance has sparked mixed reactions. Some see it as a chance for unity, while others question its motives. Kenya is currently struggling with a weak economy and rising public debt, making the deal even more significant.
Odinga’s Letter to Ruto
In his letter, Odinga praised Ruto for his strong lobbying efforts in the AUC election, which included sending senior officials like Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji to rally support.
“Your early and enthusiastic support for my candidature propelled me forward,” Odinga wrote, adding that Ruto’s backing left “no doubt about your belief in my candidacy.”
Instead of seeing his AUC loss as a setback, Odinga called it a moment of unity and pledged full support for Ruto’s leadership.
“Together, we can steer Kenya toward a future of unity and progress,” he stated.
10-Point Plan for Kenya
As part of the Kenya Kwanza-ODM Agreement, leaders outlined a 10-point plan focusing on:
- Job creation for youth
- Auditing Kenya’s national debt, now approaching KSh 10 trillion
- Promoting inclusivity in governance
Speaking at a funeral in Trans Nzoia County on March 7, Ruto clarified that the deal is not about power-sharing or the 2027 elections, but rather about uniting Kenya for economic and political growth.
“I called Raila and told him: You have been my party leader, and today, by God’s grace, I am president. I want you to be treated well,” Ruto said.
Political Controversy
Not everyone supports this new alliance.
Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticized Ruto’s approach in the AUC campaign and questioned Odinga’s intentions. Some believe Odinga may be preparing the ground for Ruto’s 2027 re-election.
Odinga’s supporters, especially in Nyanza and major urban areas, are divided over the decision. Meanwhile, members of Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition worry that the deal could weaken their agenda.
In response to critics, Odinga defended his decision at a Kiambu burial, saying:
“I did not go to Ruto; it is Ruto who came to me.”
What’s Next for Kenya?
Odinga is known for shifting political alliances, from his 2001 deal with Daniel arap Moi to his famous 2018 “handshake” with Uhuru Kenyatta. Now, he is working with Ruto as Kenya faces serious challenges, including inflation, high taxes, and youth unemployment.
With a rising debt crisis and growing frustration from young people, the success or failure of this partnership could shape Kenya’s future for years to come.
Raila Affirms Political Commitment to Ruto in Personal Letter
