Speaker Wetangula Reveals His Key Role as Initiator of Raila-Ruto Political Agreement

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has endorsed the recently formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a crucial advancement for national unity.

Wetang’ula's remarks, delivered at a church service in Elgeyo Marakwet on Sunday, lauded the critical importance of collaborative governance for Kenya's continued development. The MoU, signed on March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, signifies a formal commitment between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to align their parties’ objectives.

The signing ceremony, attended by key figures from both UDA and ODM, highlighted the pact’s significance. Wetang’ula has clarified his absence from the signing, along with that of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, emphasizing that collective decision-making remains central to their political strategy. Wetang’ula was officiating the launch of an 8-classroom building at Daraja Mungu Comprehensive School in Kimilili, Trans Nzoia County.

Mudavadi was in attendance at the requiem mass for the late former IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati. Wetang’ula reveals he was the initial convener of the meeting that ultimately led to the agreement. Wetang’ula urges leaders to prioritize the nation’s welfare and adopt a cooperative approach to governance. He characterizes the UDA-ODM pact as an instrument for constructive dialogue, setting a new precedent for political engagement in Kenya.

He emphasizes the need for unity among leaders and citizens alike, advocating for a cohesive national identity to bolster Kenya’s strength and resilience. The UDA-ODM alliance represents a major realignment in Kenya’s political arena, potentially reshaping the country’s governance and developmental trajectories.

By pooling their resources, the two dominant parties aim to promote national stability and cooperative governance, possibly setting the stage for future inter-party collaborations. The pact between President Ruto and opposition leader Odinga aims to implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. This agreement, designed to introduce constitutional amendments and enforce existing laws, will create the Office of the Official Opposition Leader and reinstate the Prime Minister’s position.

The reforms prioritize inclusivity, good governance, and the protection of devolution, seeking to rectify inconsistent application of constitutional principles, particularly regarding equality (Article 27) and equitable resource allocation (Article 17). The pact also tackles financial challenges faced by county governments and aims to combat corruption through strengthened accountability mechanisms, thus addressing concerns that fueled widespread youth protests in 2024.