Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his decision to join forces with President William Ruto in a broad-based government, insisting the move was necessary to avert political and social instability in Kenya.
Speaking on Saturday at the funeral of veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay County, Odinga said Kenya was on the brink of chaos last year and that the political truce was essential for safeguarding the country’s stability.
“We know where we have come from. We were in a very serious situation sometimes last year. There was a great possibility of Kenya degenerating into a failed state,” he said. “People who don’t understand history talk very easily. Ask them what happened in countries like Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia – why we have military regimes there today.”
The ODM leader stressed that the unity deal was not aimed at protecting the political careers of any individual but rather at ensuring national peace and long-term governance stability.
“We sacrificed so that there could be peace in this country, and that is why we are here today. I do not regret what we did. We did it in the best interests of our country. Kenya must move forward,” Odinga declared.
He further revealed that a joint ODM–UDA Parliamentary Group meeting will be held next week to align legislators on implementing the commitments contained in their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Our MoU will remain in place up to 2027. After that, we will see where we go. You are saying one term, so what? Kenyans will decide the term,” Odinga stated, hinting that the partnership could extend beyond the next General Election.
The Ruto–Raila cooperation, announced earlier this year, has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a bold step for unity and critics accusing both leaders of political opportunism. However, Odinga’s latest remarks underline his commitment to the arrangement and his belief that it is a vital tool for preserving Kenya’s peace.
Phoebe Asiyo, in whose honour Odinga spoke, was remembered as a trailblazer in women’s rights advocacy and a key figure in Kenya’s political history.
