On March 7, 2025, President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. This agreement is not a coalition but a framework aimed at addressing Kenya’s pressing social, economic, and political challenges through a 10-point agenda.
Key Highlights of the UDA-ODM MoU
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National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report Implementation: The agreement commits to fully implementing the NADCO report, which includes proposals such as the establishment of the Prime Minister’s post and measures to curb opulence in government.
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Youth Empowerment and Employment: Addressing youth unemployment is a central focus, aiming to alleviate frustration and vulnerability among young Kenyans.
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Devolution and County Funding: The MoU advocates for strengthening devolution and proposes that counties receive no less than KSh 450 billion in the 2025–2026 financial year.
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Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures: The agreement emphasizes upholding the Constitution, promoting leadership integrity, and combating corruption and inefficiency in public institutions.
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Audit of National Debt: A comprehensive audit of national debt utilization is proposed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Political Reactions and Criticisms
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Support from Leadership: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki lauded the agreement as a courageous step towards national unity and development, highlighting the importance of visionary leadership.
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Opposition from Azimio Allies: Some leaders within the Azimio coalition, such as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have criticized the MoU, viewing it as a betrayal and a sidelining of the opposition’s role.
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Legal Concerns: Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto dismissed the agreement as illegal, arguing that the issues addressed in the MoU are already covered by existing constitutional provisions.
Future Prospects
While the MoU does not constitute a formal coalition, both Ruto and Odinga have expressed openness to further collaboration. Odinga indicated that the successful implementation of the MoU could pave the way for a broader political alliance focused on national stability and progress.
The agreement marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape, moving towards cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties to address the nation’s challenges.
