In a historic turn of events in Nairobi on May 7, 2025, Kenya’s political heavyweights, President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, have solidified a coalition that promises to reshape the country’s governance and political dynamics. Today, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the two leaders formally signed the Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework Agreement, marking a significant milestone in their evolving relationship and signaling a new chapter for Kenya’s broad-based government.
A Partnership Born of Necessity Between Ruto and Raila
The coalition between Ruto, leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and Odinga, head of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), comes after months of speculation, negotiations, and public consultations. The seeds of this alliance were planted in mid-2024, when Ruto, facing unprecedented youth-led protests over economic policies and governance issues, reached out to Odinga to stabilize his administration. Odinga, a long-time opposition figure who narrowly lost to Ruto in the contentious 2022 presidential election, agreed to join forces, bringing several ODM stalwarts into Ruto’s cabinet in July 2024.
Today’s agreement formalizes this partnership, blending the Kenya Kwanza coalition—Ruto’s ruling alliance—with ODM, one of Kenya’s most influential political parties. The move has been framed by both leaders as a pragmatic response to the country’s pressing challenges, including economic recovery, youth unemployment, and political stability.
Speaking at the KICC signing ceremony, President Ruto hailed the coalition as a “unifying moment” for Kenya. “We have agreed to work together with opposition leaders to enhance our broad-based administration,” Ruto declared, emphasizing that the partnership would deliver on promises of economic transformation and inclusive governance. Odinga, standing beside him, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is about putting Kenya first. After wide consultations, I am convinced this is the path forward.”
The Road to Reconciliation
The Ruto-Odinga alliance is a remarkable shift given their storied rivalry. In 2022, Ruto narrowly defeated Odinga in a fiercely contested election, with Odinga alleging electoral irregularities—a claim dismissed by Kenya’s Supreme Court. The bitterness lingered into 2023, as Odinga led protests against Ruto’s administration, accusing it of imposing burdensome taxes amid a cost-of-living crisis. However, the dynamics changed in 2024 when nationwide demonstrations, spearheaded by Kenya’s Gen Z population, pressured Ruto to broaden his political base.
Odinga’s decision to join Ruto was not without controversy. Some within his ODM party and the wider Azimio la Umoja coalition criticized the move as a betrayal of opposition principles. Yet, Odinga maintained that his consultations with supporters across the country revealed a desire for unity over division. “I have listened to Kenyans,” he said earlier this week in Kisumu, his political stronghold. “They want us to work together to address their needs.”
The coalition has already borne fruit. In addition to the cabinet appointments last year—which included key ODM figures like John Mbadi as Finance Minister—Ruto has backed Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, a position Odinga lost in February 2025. Despite that setback, the partnership has deepened, culminating in today’s formal agreement.
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What the Coalition Means for Kenya
The Kenya Kwanza-ODM Framework Agreement outlines a shared agenda focused on economic revitalization, infrastructure development, and social programs. Ruto’s “hustler narrative,” which emphasizes uplifting the working class, aligns with Odinga’s longstanding advocacy for the marginalized, creating a potential synergy. Key priorities include job creation, agricultural reform, and addressing the country’s ballooning debt—a challenge that has fueled public discontent.
Politically, the coalition strengthens Ruto’s hand ahead of the 2027 general elections. By co-opting Odinga and ODM, Ruto neutralizes a formidable opponent and bolsters his support in Odinga’s strongholds, such as Nyanza and parts of the Coast. However, it also risks alienating some of Ruto’s original base, particularly in the Rift Valley, where distrust of Odinga persists.
For Odinga, the alliance offers a chance to cement his legacy. At 80, this may be his final act in Kenyan politics, allowing him to influence policy from within rather than agitating from the outside. Yet, his critics argue that he has compromised his principles for political expediency, a charge he dismisses as shortsighted.
Kenyan Reactions and the Impact of This Coalition
The coalition has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a pragmatic step toward stability, with political analyst Dismas Mokua noting, “This is a new political landscape that could shape the 2027 race.” Others, like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—who was impeached in October 2024 with Odinga’s parliamentary support—view it skeptically. Gachagua, now a vocal Ruto critic, has hinted at forming an opposition bloc with Odinga should the latter reconsider his stance.
On X, Kenyans have expressed both optimism and cynicism. Posts celebrating the handshake sit alongside warnings from ODM loyalists urging Odinga not to “sell out.” The public’s verdict will likely hinge on whether this coalition delivers tangible results.
What’s Next for the Ruto and Raila Coalition?
As Kenya navigates economic headwinds and a restless youth demographic, the Ruto-Odinga coalition faces immense pressure to perform. Today’s agreement is a bold gamble—one that could either unify a fractured nation or deepen its divisions. For now, the two leaders have clasped hands in a symbolic handshake, but the true test lies in translating their pact into progress for millions of Kenyans watching closely.
In a country where alliances shift like sand, this coalition may yet redefine Kenya’s political future—or become another chapter in its complex history of promises and pragmatism.Explore economic policiesKenya’s youth protestsMore concise summary