Raila: I do not regret pact with Ruto

The two leaders assured Kenyans that they will not part ways soon, at least up to the 2027 election.

This, they said, is to make the country stable and create economic wealth for citizens.

The Head of State and the former prime minister started their collaboration in March this year after signing an agreement aimed at fostering national cohesion.

The MOU, which the President committed to fully implement, was also meant to address socio-economic and political challenges facing the country.

During the burial of former Karachuonyo MP Phoebe Asiyo in Wikondiek Village in Homa Bay on Friday, Dr Ruto described the former prime minister as a patriot Kenyan who is committed to support the progress of the county.

His speech came after Mr Odinga proposed ways of making Kenyans grow economically.

“He has said it all and has put it well. You have a place in the history, progress and future of our nation. Your inspiration to leaders is something we are proud of. I am persuaded that Kenya is a great country and this will be based on your (Kenyans) commitments,” Dr Ruto said.

He said Mr Odinga has assisted him to establish the broad-based government which he described as one which does not discriminate any leader who focuses on the stability of the nation.

“Kenya has a historic opportunity to elevate itself. We can forge unity and deal with unemployment, transform agriculture to eliminate hunger. We are committed to taking the country to the next level. That is why we signed the 10-point agenda,” Dr Ruto said.

President Ruto committed that his administration will fully implement the agreement they signed.

Earlier, the head of State set up a team that will look into compensation of people who were injured and killed during protests in the country.

He had also appointed a committee to implement the National Dialogue Committee report.

Dr Ruto described creation of the team as an indication of implementation of the MoU.

“The journey has begun. We have paid all money owed to counties from last year. On Monday, the Treasury will release July allocation to county governments,” the President said.

He directed MPs from Kenya Kwanza to work with their counterparts from ODM on financial allocation and legislation to support the processes.

He announced that parliamentary groups from the two teams will meet next week to agree on a way forward.

“We are not doing trial and error. It is not guesswork. We know our history and where the country has come from. We must secure peace and stability for our nation,” President Ruto said.

Mr Odinga said he must continue working with Kenya Kwanza, saying that failure to do that may take the country to a different direction.

He described the country as having the potential to become a failed state like Somalia and other regions witnessing war.

“People who do not understand history talk carelessly. Arab Spring is an example of how a country can be if it becomes unstable. Some countries have military administration and we do not want to get there,” Mr Odinga said.

According to Mr Odinga, he does not regret working with President Ruto.

He said their collaboration is based on circumstances that prevailed when they decided to shake hands.

“We need to improve government structure. We must ensure people live well. Have food, shelter and children able to go to school. Citizens must also be able to be treated when sick,” the former prime minister said.

Despite supporting the government, Mr Odinga also issued ultimatums to the government which included lowering the cost of living

"No shoot to kill"

He also directed his anger towards police and other law enforcement, saying they should not shoot to kill.

Mr Odinga instead said police should only arrest suspects but not use their guns to kill.

“Arrest suspects and take them to court. Do not shoot to kill and maim. We have put a framework to ensure the MOU we signed is implemented to the letter,” he said.

The MoU proposed compensation for people injured during the protest.

The ODM leader wants the compensation to start from 2017.

“We will put in a framework to ensure it is done. We will have a joint parliamentary group meeting to implement what we have agreed on. Naysayers should give us room,” the former prime minister said.

He also defended President Ruto from “one-term” slogan and castigated former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his “cousins” and “shareholders” politics.

But at the same time, he said both ODM and UDA will have an opportunity to speak to Kenyans ahead of the 2027 election.

“I am confident, when that time comes, we will face Kenyans and tell them where we want to go. He (Ruto) will say his and we will say ours and let Kenyans decide,” Mr Odinga said.

The ODM leader also committed to support President Ruto in realising Vision 2030.

Other leaders who attended the funeral service included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, her counterparts James Orengo (Siaya), Prof Anyang Nyong'o (Kisumu) and Ochillo Ayacko (Migori).

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi who also attended the funeral said he will ensure funds are available to compensate those injured or killed during protests.

Prof Nyong’o asked president Ruto to devolve Kenya Rural Roads Authority and Kenya Urban Roads Authority, accusing the two agencies of misusing public funds.

Ms Wanga said compensation of victims of protest will make history in the country.

Mr Orengo who resurfaced after a long absence from the limelight said compensation will show that Kenya is a democratic nation that values human rights.

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