Friday 07th March, 2025 06:25 PM|
Following the signing of a landmark pact that may see ODM chief Raila Odinga and President William Ruto work collectively, the Head of State has come out to make clear that their resolution to affix forces shouldn’t be misconstrued as a strategic transfer to place themselves for future electoral victories.
Speaking on the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, March 7, 2025, President William Ruto championed the settlement framework they’d signed, emphasising that it carried a far better goal for the nation, with its optimistic impression quickly to be realised.
According to him, the memorandum of understanding, which was signed amid jubilation from ODM supporters, was by no means a clandestine association for power-sharing, as had been alleged by some.
“This moment is not about William Ruto or Raila Odinga. This agreement, this memorandum of understanding, is not about sharing positions or winning elections,” he affirmed.
Prioritising Kenyans
Ruto maintained that their resolution to unite was pushed by a shared imaginative and prescient to raise the narrative of a better Kenya to the next level.
He careworn that, above all else, they had been dedicated to putting the pursuits of Kenyans on the forefront.
He famous that they’d chosen to put aside their variations and discover simply how far the nation might progress if leaders harnessed its full potential—a possible that, for a lot too lengthy, had been spoken about however by no means totally realised.
“It is about the people and the interests of Kenya—that is what truly matters. To me, the interests of this great nation take precedence. We have talked about Kenya’s vast potential for far too long. It is now time to close ranks as leaders because this nation can succeed,” he declared.
Respecting Raila
During the event, the pinnacle of state additionally reaffirmed his dedication to making sure that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is accorded the respect he rightfully deserves.
In a speech that was met with wild applause, Ruto mirrored on his long-standing relationship with Raila, acknowledging the pivotal function the previous premier has performed in shaping his personal political journey.
He went on to guarantee the viewers that he would do no matter it takes to make sure Raila is handled with dignity, not out of private curiosity however in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the nation.
“I called my brother and told him, ‘You have been my brother and party leader. Today, by God’s grace, I am President, and I want you to be treated with dignity. I will do whatever it takes to ensure you are respected in Kenya. I am not doing this for any selfish reason; I am doing it because I am a younger person, and you are my elder—not just by age but also in terms of the contributions you have made to this country. You deserve respect, and that is the relationship I have built with Raila.”
He additional acknowledged that the nation’s progress would require extra than simply the 2 of them working collectively—it will take collective effort from all leaders to unify the nation and drive significant change.
“I am very clear in my mind that, moving forward, it will take more than Raila and myself; it will take each and every one of us to pull this country together and achieve the transformative changes that will make Kenya better,” he stated, prompting loud cheers from the group.
Ruto’s heartfelt tackle to Raila got here shortly after they formalised their cooperation by way of a joint authorities settlement geared toward delivering on their marketing campaign guarantees to the residents.
“This moment is not about William Ruto or Raila Odinga. This memorandum of understanding is not about sharing positions or winning elections—it is about the interests of the people of Kenya,” Ruto reiterated.