Inside the Ruto-Raila Power Agreement: In a groundbreaking political development, President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have officially sealed a historic agreement aimed at fostering national unity and addressing key challenges facing Kenya.
The deal, which was signed after weeks of consultations across the country, marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets the stage for a broad-based approach to solving critical issues, ensuring inclusivity, and advancing the national agenda.
The signing ceremony, held at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, was attended by key political figures, including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar.
Both representatives read out the details of the agreement, which focuses on critical areas of national concern. Below, we break down the key elements of the Ruto-Raila agreement and what it means for Kenya.
Full Implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report
One of the cornerstone issues in the Ruto-Raila agreement is the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. This report, which emerged after the 2022 General Election crisis, outlines critical reforms that both parties have agreed to address.
The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, has long called for the government to fully implement the report, asserting that it addresses 90 percent of the issues affecting the Kenyan populace. The NADCO report, which came about as a result of protests and tensions surrounding the alleged rigging of the 2022 elections, was spearheaded by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. His mediation helped bring both Raila and Ruto to the negotiation table, eventually leading to the establishment of a bipartisan team that formed the basis of the comprehensive reform agenda.
Inclusivity for Minority Groups
The Ruto-Raila agreement underscores the importance of inclusivity in Kenyan governance. Both leaders have committed to ensuring that minority groups are represented and empowered. This includes advancing policies that guarantee equal participation in political, economic, and social spheres for all segments of the population, regardless of their demographic status.
Strengthening Devolution for Local-Level Development
Another critical aspect of the MoU is the strengthening of devolution. Both leaders agree that empowering local governments will improve the delivery of services at the grassroots level. Devolution has been a key pillar of Kenya’s governance since the 2010 Constitution, and enhancing its capacity is expected to lead to more efficient resource distribution and better service delivery to Kenyans.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Opportunities
A major concern in the Ruto-Raila pact is youth empowerment. With unemployment rates among Kenyan youth remaining high, both leaders have agreed to prioritize job creation by empowering key sectors such as technology, the blue economy, manufacturing, and mining. These industries have the potential to create thousands of employment opportunities, which is crucial for addressing the economic challenges faced by young people in the country.
The agreement also highlights the importance of providing leadership and maintaining integrity within the government. Both Ruto and Raila have committed to ensuring that the government remains transparent and accountable in its efforts to provide services and opportunities for the youth.
National Police Service (NPS) and Citizens’ Rights to Protest
The right to protest is a fundamental part of the Constitution, and the Ruto-Raila agreement recognizes the need to protect this right while ensuring law and order. Both parties have agreed that the National Police Service (NPS) must respect Kenyans’ right to protest peacefully. This includes revising the methods used by law enforcement to handle demonstrations and ensuring that citizens’ constitutional rights are upheld during public protests.
National Debt Audit and Accountability Measures
One of the most pressing concerns in the agreement is the national debt. Both Ruto and Raila have committed to carrying out a comprehensive audit of Kenya’s national debt to assess its current status and future impact on the economy.
This audit will help identify the extent of the country’s indebtedness and guide future fiscal policies aimed at reducing the burden on the taxpayer.
Furthermore, both leaders have agreed to enhance accountability measures within the government. Institutions such as the Auditor General’s office and the Controller of Budget will be given more resources and authority to oversee the efficient use of public funds.
Combating Corruption and Promoting Efficiency
Corruption has long been a significant problem in Kenya, and addressing it is a top priority in the Ruto-Raila agreement. The two leaders have pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and increase their capacity to hold individuals accountable for misusing public resources.
Additionally, the agreement emphasizes the need to prevent the wastage of government resources by promoting greater efficiency in the public sector. This includes ensuring that government spending is directed toward projects and services that directly benefit the Kenyan people.
Protecting the Constitution and Human Rights
The final element of the Ruto-Raila pact focuses on safeguarding the sovereignty of the Constitution. Both leaders have promised to protect and uphold the Constitution, ensuring that human rights are respected and that the government does not abuse its power.
This includes maintaining order and preventing any actions that could lead to the erosion of democratic freedoms or the central principles of the Constitution.
