Why Ruto and Raila Camps are Against Power Sharing

President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga have announced their teams for the upcoming negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing stalemate in Kenya. 

The protests against Ruto's regime have been sustained for months with Kenyans calling for resolutions to the high cost of living and concerns regarding the 2022 elections. Despite both political factions maintaining hardline stances, negotiations are set to proceed. During a State House address in Nairobi on August 2, 2023, President Ruto refrained from commenting on the talks. His Kenya Kwanza side has named a team of five negotiators led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga, and East Africa Legislative Assembly member Hassan Omar. Mr Odinga’s coalition has also unveiled its team led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in preparation for the talks which will be spearheaded by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Other leaders representing Azimio include National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

The high cost of living remains a top priority for the opposition in the negotiations. As the government and opposition prepare for potential dialogue, they are concerned about the possibility of a 'nusu mkate' or Handshake government. 'Nusu mkate' refers to a coalition government like the one formed after the disputed 2007 presidential election, while Handshake refers to the agreement between former rivals Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta that ended the political turmoil after the 2017 presidential election. However, Kenya Kwanza party leader Kimani Ichung'wah has expressed reservations about discussing these options during talks, insisting on only discussing the five points previously agreed upon. 

The idea of solidifying the positions of the Leader of Opposition and Prime Cabinet Secretary in the constitution was proposed by Kenya Kwanza, but Azimio insists on the negotiation to delve into the cost of living, inclusivity, audit of the 2022 elections, reconstitution of IEBC, accountability for police brutality, respect for political party autonomy, and human rights abuse. Mr Wandayi argues that the push for power-sharing is rooted in the insecure nature of Ruto's allies. Also, Mr Odinga's inner circle is wary of him joining Kenya Kwanza due to fears of being associated with the administration's shortcomings. 

The concern of Mr Odinga being viewed as power-hungry and the potential for a fallout within Azimio is among the reasons why the faction opposes a power-sharing arrangement. Additionally, there are concerns that working with the government would diminish the opposition's influence in Parliament and that Mr Odinga may face the negative consequences of being associated with the current government.