Political Insights: Unity, Elections, and a Future Coalition
The former Prime Minister, a political stalwart in Kenya’s landscape, recently provided insights suggesting that the upcoming general elections will witness the active participation of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). What remains ambiguous, however, is whether ODM will field a presidential contender for the next electoral cycle in 2027.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shared these sentiments during the Mombasa Eid Baraza on . The setting was vibrant, a gathering filled with anticipation, as Raila gave his address, one inviting scrutiny and opinion.
It was intriguing to hear Raila defend ODM’s decision to cooperate with President William Ruto’s administration. Such political alliances often lead to varied interpretations. “Did ODM join forces for a greater cause?” one might ponder. In March, an official political pact was signed between Ruto, representing the Kenya Kwanza coalition, and Raila, heralding ODM—a partnership witnessed and ratified by aligned Members of Parliament.
The agreement was more than just political maneuvering. Raila, in his Saturday discourse in Mombasa, elaborated that this was a patriotic gesture aimed at uniting Kenyans across diverse backgrounds. His words carried weight: “Sisi tunasema hatujaingia kwa harusi hii na serikali ili kusaliti Wakenya, sisi tumefanya kitu ya muhimu kushinda wabinafsi. Wakenya waungane pamoja, wafanye kazi.” Translated, it stands—our collaboration with the government isn’t to betray Kenyans. Rather, we have partaken in a noble deed that transcends selfish interests. A call for unity; a plea for hard work.
Unity or betrayal? These words ripple in the political waters. Yet, Raila highlighted that amid approaching grassroots elections within the ODM, peace and civility should be the guiding stars. He urged party members not only to uphold these values but to support each other robustly, factors indispensable for successful local elections.
This collaboration extends beyond ideological alliances. Both the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM have intertwined their political arsenals on high-priority national matters. They have involved their seasoned strategists in consultations aimed at steering Kenya’s governance efficiently.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) they endorsed seeks to tackle Kenya’s pressing social, economic, and political trials observed in 2025. An agreement fortified with mutual commitments, not just for show.
A significant aspect of the agreement centered on the constitutional right to protest. Ruto and Raila reaffirmed that this inalienable right must be accessible to all Kenyans, unobstructed. Moreover, they vowed to address past grievances, including compensating individuals who suffered during historical protests. An excerpt from the agreement captures this sentiment poignantly: “The derogation of rights to peaceful assembly and protests remains one of the most shameful realities on the excesses of Kenya’s law and order responses since independence.”
As one meanders through this political landscape rich with narrative and domains of public interest, questions emerge about the road ahead. Might ODM’s political calculus bring forth unexpected alliances or newer paradigms for Kenya’s governance?
Kenya’s political tapestry, vibrant and multifaceted, continues to evolve. This journey of exploration, negotiation, and sometimes compromise reflects the dynamism inherent within its leaders and the citizens they serve.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
