(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The political collaboration between Kenyan leader William Ruto and ODM chief Raila Odinga has triggered a fierce public debate, with analysts and opposition figures accusing the two of sidelining other influential stakeholders in national decision-making.
The two leaders, who recently agreed to work together on the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, are being criticised for allegedly monopolising major national decisions while excluding political, religious, and civil society leaders.
This is not the first time they have faced such accusations. Observers recall a similar pattern when they formed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) without engaging other influential leaders.
Following their March 7, 2025 agreement, which led to the creation of a joint five-member committee, Ruto and Odinga are now seen as controlling the political direction of the country. The committee is chaired by Agnes Zani and tasked with implementing ten national priorities outlined in the ODM–UDA agreement.
These include the full adoption of the NADCO report, the protection of the right to peaceful assembly and compensation for victims, reforms to the IEBC, anti-corruption measures, and management of the national debt.
Despite the weight of these issues, no representatives from civil society groups, religious bodies, or political parties such as Wiper, KANU, or DAP-K have been included in the committee.
“This process belongs to two people; yet Kenya belongs to millions,” political analyst Dr Isaac Gichuki told Jakony.com®. He questioned whether this was truly a national reconciliation process or a move that benefits only the two political heavyweights.
Gichuki noted that calls from the opposition to involve all stakeholders in appointing IEBC commissioners—one of the NADCO recommendations—were ignored by the president. “If they excluded key stakeholders from forming the IEBC, which is a core NADCO proposal, how can they assure Kenyans they can decide the country’s future alone?” he asked.
The IEBC, central to the electoral process, is widely considered a pillar of democracy. Opposition leaders claim the appointment of new commissioners was done in secrecy, without transparent engagement of all relevant parties.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who co-chaired the NADCO talks, has now found himself excluded from the body tasked with implementing the proposals he helped draft.
Although the UDA–ODM partnership is being presented as a symbol of reconciliation and unity, many analysts argue it cannot be considered a national process if major constituencies are left out.
On Friday, Ruto and Odinga reiterated that their partnership was here to stay, insisting their cooperation was aimed at fostering stability and economic prosperity for Kenyans.
However, political commentators remain sceptical. “They seem to be doing the opposite of what they claim. If they are implementing the NADCO report in good faith, why are they excluding others?” political analyst Peter Katana told Jakony.com®.
Ruto and Odinga formally began their cooperation in March 2025 when they signed a memorandum of understanding, stating their goal was to strengthen national cohesion and address social, political, and economic challenges.
