Implementation of the 10-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between UDA and ODM last year is emerging as the next battle front in the planned 2027 pre-election coalition by the two parties
President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga are latching on the implementation of the agreement as a tool to fight off critics and rally party members in backing the coalition talks.
The two are under pressure to meet tight deadlines set by the agreement, including March 7, when a final report detailing the status of the MoU’s implementation should be made public.
President William Ruto (left) with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the Piny Luo Festival in Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County on December 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
The two leaders are also expected to convene a joint parliamentary group meeting in February to explain achievements since Dr Ruto and the late Raila Odinga signed the deal.
The Agnes Zani-led five-member committee formed by President Ruto and Raila is also expected to visit all the 47 counties to collect views before tabling its final report. The report, the Nation has established, would be used to rally ODM delegates to endorse the planned coalition agreement with UDA.
In a press briefing on Thursday, the team announced that it will begin the countrywide stakeholders’ engagement next month.
“This process is designed to unite Kenyans through inclusive national dialogue and restore trust in public institutions by fostering transparency and accountability. It will translate consensus into practical reforms that strengthen democracy, improve daily life, and create opportunities for all,” President Ruto said on Wednesday after receiving a brief by the team at State House.
Dr Agnes Zani (centre) and other members of the committee overseeing the implementation of the 10-point ggenda and national dialogue address the media in Nairobi on January 22, 2026.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
Critics of the planned coalition —led by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Co-Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi—have claimed that the 10-point MoU has been deliberately sabotaged and misrepresented by proponents of the broad-based government.
“The propaganda depicts Kenya Kwanza to be satisfactorily implementing the 10-point agenda reform package. Repetitive falsehoods are designed to dissuade citizens not to read the March 7, 2025 MoU,” said Mr Osotsi.
The National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriation Chairperson and Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi said most of the agenda items have been implemented.
For instance, Mr Atandi said, regions that have in the past received skewed allocations for national development have started getting their fair share.
The MoU also recommended Sh450 billion as equitable shareable revenue for counties. Mr Atandi said in the current budget, counties have been allocated Sh415 billion and the plan is to meet the set figure in the next financial year.
He also cited budget allocations for road projects, which he said reflect equitable sharing of national resources.
Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed during an interview in his office at Parliament Buildings on January 15, 2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed claimed that half of the 10-point pact has already been implemented. He added that the full execution of the remaining commitments would naturally lead to a structured coalition between ODM and UDA.
The Suna East MP revealed that a major stumbling block in implementation is a court ruling that halted the committee tasked with compensation of those killed or injured in protests.
ODM’s Central Management Committee on January 12 resolved to continue the review of the compensation matter, with the meeting proposing that compensation monies be channelled through the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
