The absence of the two key political figures raised eyebrows with questions about their stand on the entry of Mr Odinga and his ODM brigade.
The agreement, signed on March 7, 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre between Dr Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Mr Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was trumpeted in various speeches as a way to ease political tensions, foster national unity, and address Kenya’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
Ruto and Raila sign political cooperation deal
At the heart of it is a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which the two sides vowed to implement the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report — which among other things called for the formation of the Prime Minister’s post, as well as to curb wastage and opulence in government — stop abductions and intensify the fight against corruption.
UDA and Mr Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC) merged in January 2025, and the Nairobi KICC pact would then have meant the Prime Cabinet Secretary was part of the team. Mr Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya is yet to fold.
Mr Mudavadi had earlier on March 7 attended the State House Kenya Kwanza Alliance Parliamentary Group meeting that preceded the signing of the pact with ODM.
But Mr Mudavadi’s communication officer, Jacob Ngetich, said the Prime Cabinet Secretary had been assigned official duties by President Ruto on the same day and had initially been at the KICC for the signing of the agreement briefly.
"The Prime Cabinet Secretary was at the KICC, then he was sent on an assignment by the President. Initially, he attended a parliamentary group meeting in the morning before proceeding to the KICC meeting. He was then sent on assignment to attend the funeral of Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono’s father in Bomet county" Mr Ngetich said.
President William Ruto (left) with ODM party leader Raila Odinga during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA at Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi on March 07, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
At the funeral, Mr Mudavadi backed the Ruto, Raila pact.
“We must support Ruto to the hilt, and I want to say that Ruto's agenda is to unite Kenya, and his moves of uniting with ODM are because he wants to see progress and because he worries for the people of Kenya, and we should support him,” Mudavadi said.
"We sat and discussed as ANC; we decided to unite with UDA and set aside ANC, and as we speak right now, I am a member of UDA to support President Ruto," he added.
Later, Mr Ngetich noted that Mr Mudavadi was tasked with delivering a school bus to Friends Boys School, Lugusi, in Kakamega County, representing the government at a thanksgiving event.
“The President had specifically instructed him to be present at these events," Ngetich said.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga makes his remarks after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi on March 07, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Ford Kenya Secretary General John Chikati stated that Mr Wetang’ula was engaged in burial preparations for former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati in Kitale, and therefore could not have made it to the Nairobi pact signing.
"The Speaker travelled to assist in the preparations for Wafula Chebukati's burial. His absence was not intentional but was due to pressing responsibilities. As we speak, he is at Chebukati's home, coordinating arrangements for the state burial," Mr Chikati said.
He also reaffirmed that Ford Kenya remains firmly in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, noting that while ODM is cooperating with UDA, it has not formally joined the political formation.
“Regarding Ford Kenya and other affiliate parties, Ford Kenya remains a part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition. On the other hand, ODM is not officially in the coalition but is cooperating with UDA as a party. The coalition remains strong, and the priority is ensuring the country's stability,” said Mr Chikati.
President William Ruto (left) makes his remarks after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ODM and UDA at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi on March 07, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
"This afternoon, I commissioned an eight-classroom storey building at the Daraja Mungu Comprehensive School in Kibingei Ward, at the invitation of Kimilili Member of Parliament, Didmus Barasa," Mr Wetang’ula stated.
He emphasised the significance of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), noting its impact on infrastructure and education.
"This project, a product of the NG-CDF, underscores the urgent need to institutionalise the fund within the framework of the Constitution to ensure continued service delivery to the people. The reach of NG-CDF cannot be gainsaid, as it has been instrumental in transforming the country through funding projects in the education and infrastructure sectors," he said.
