Ruto Confirms Unity Deal with Late Raila Odinga to End Kenya's Divisive Politics
Nairobi, 6 February 2026
President William Ruto has publicly acknowledged reaching a political agreement with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga to abandon divisive politics based on ethnicity and discrimination. Speaking in Malindi on 5 February 2026, Ruto emphasised their shared commitment to national unity and inclusive governance. The agreement is reflected in the current government composition, with ODM leaders like Hassan Joho serving as Cabinet Secretary for Blue Economy. However, this unity message faces internal ODM tensions, with party figures questioning funding sources for ongoing political activities and criticising the slow implementation of previous agreements between the parties.
Unity Agreement Details and Implementation
The political understanding between President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga centres on rejecting politics rooted in discrimination, ethnicity, and hatred in favour of national cohesion [1]. Speaking in Malindi town, Kilifi County on 5 February 2026, Ruto stated: “Mimi nilikubaliana na kiongozi wa ODM Raila Odinga, nilimwambia na tukakubaliana kwamba tuwache siasa ya ubaguzi, siasa ya ukabila na siasa ya chuki, tuunganishe taifa letu la Kenya” [1]. The President emphasised that this unity message is reflected in the composition of the national government, specifically pointing to the inclusion of ODM leaders in key positions such as Hassan Joho, who serves as Cabinet Secretary for the Blue Economy [1]. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced this message, stating that Kenya must remain united to achieve lasting development [1].
Economic Investments and Development Projects
Alongside the political unity announcement, President Ruto detailed significant government investments in coastal regions, particularly Kilifi County. The government has invested Sh21 billion in Kilifi County to construct over 8,000 affordable housing units, 12 modern markets, and hostels to accommodate 4,300 college and university students [1]. To strengthen the blue economy sector, the government has provided more than 100 fishing boats to youth groups and disbursed Sh983 million to 278 groups across the county [1]. During his visit, Ruto also presided over the disbursement of NYOTA start-up capital for youth and small businesses in Lamu, Kilifi, and Tana River counties, describing the initiative as a lifeline for young entrepreneurs [1]. The President agreed with Cabinet Secretary Joho to expand investments in Kilifi’s blue economy, including constructing three additional fish landing sites [1].
Opposition Challenges and Internal Tensions
Despite the unity narrative, President Ruto faces criticism from opposition figures, particularly former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been planning nationwide protests [2]. On Friday, 6 February 2026, during the NYOTA disbursement in Mkomani, Mombasa County, Ruto accused the opposition of lacking a development agenda and seeking only to remove him from office [2]. Gachagua had threatened protests if 12 police officers allegedly involved in an attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya were not arrested before 16 February 2026 [2]. Ruto emphasised that young voters would not be misled by “political noise” and would only support leaders offering concrete plans for employment and opportunities [2].
Internal ODM Disputes Over Funding and Implementation
The unity agreement faces scrutiny from within ODM itself, with party officials questioning both funding sources and implementation progress. Ruth Odinga, defending Edwin Sifuna’s remarks regarding the Memorandum of Understanding signed by President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga, has questioned the source of funds used in ongoing ‘Linda Ground’ meetings led by Oburu Oginga [5]. Ruth Odinga claimed the Kenya Kwanza government might be funding ODM events, stating: “Kama mtiaji saini wa akaunti ya ODM, ikiwa atauliza pesa zote za chopper, mahema makubwa na fulana na kofia zenye chapa ya ODM katika mikutano ya ‘Linda Ground’ zinatoka wapi, kwa nini mtu yeyote amtumie vibaya?” [5]. She warned that if the MoU has not been respected and remains less than 30 days from expiring, Sifuna’s public declaration that it has “died” cannot be considered betrayal [5]. Edwin Sifuna has stated he has no intention of leaving ODM despite disagreements with top party officials regarding the 2027 elections and is not worried about plans to remove him from the Secretary General position [5].