Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has officially entered into a coalition agreement with President William Ruto, bringing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The announcement was made on Friday, March 7, during a high-profile event attended by key political figures from both ODM and Kenya Kwanza-affiliated parties.
Among the primary issues agreed upon by the two leaders is the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
They also committed to tackling youth unemployment and ensuring adherence to the two-thirds gender rule in governance.
Additionally, Ruto and Raila emphasized the need for inclusivity among all Kenyans, regardless of religious background.
They stated that fostering inclusivity would create more equitable opportunities in public sector appointments.
The agreement also outlined other commitments, including the promotion of leadership and integrity.
This entails curbing extravagant lifestyles among leaders and creating a legal framework to address conflicts of interest in government institutions.
The two leaders also pledged to uphold the rule of law and constitutional principles.
Furthermore, they called on the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure compensation for victims with outstanding claims related to human rights violations.
Another key element of the agreement is the immediate audit of Kenya’s national debt, with a detailed breakdown of how the borrowed funds have been utilized.
Both Raila and Ruto vowed to intensify efforts in combating corruption and eliminating the misuse of public funds, particularly by government officials.
As part of their broader governance strategy, they also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding devolution as enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, which established the 47 counties.