Sections of Kenyans have come out to share their mixed reactions following Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto’s decision on Friday, 7 March 2025, to join forces and sign an agreement framework.
According to videos from the streets of citizens who spoke to K24 TV before and after the duo announced their decision, many expressed support for the two leaders, while others insisted they only stood by Raila Odinga.
“Raila is welcome—he’s an elder, a man of significance, a true gentleman. He can handle anything. Now we want justice, and he should reclaim what’s rightfully his. Ruto, our mothers have suffered in public hospitals—please restore them!” said Husna, who spoke to K24 TV.
However, some voiced concerns that the coalition, presented as a bid for national unity, was merely a cover to secure Raila a soft landing after losing the African Union Commission (AUC) election. They claimed the move proved just how unconcerned the two leaders were about the plight of ordinary citizens.
Others—particularly the youth—lamented that Raila had disrespected them by aligning with William Ruto, the very leader they had openly opposed and suggested they could still carry on with their activism without him.
“We are telling the President and Raila that we, as the youth, have been fighting for this country, and after the elections, we were ready to take to the streets. But now that Raila has joined Ruto, they should tell us—what’s our agenda? We also need jobs. Look at the streets—there aren’t enough opportunities. Pushing carts won’t sustain us, and even the wheelbarrow Ruto campaigned with won’t help either,” a youth from Nairobi CBD told K24 TV.
Raila Odinga followers celebrate
Following the announcement of the agreement, Raila Odinga’s supporters, who had turned up in droves, erupted in celebration and caused chaos as they stormed the KICC fountains.
Videos shared by K24 TV showed excited crowds spread across different sections of the international convention centre, while others waded into the blue waters of the fountain at the front of the building, cheering as they splashed around.
Many stood watching from the edges of the fountain while those who had thrown themselves in engaged in playful theatrics, dragging each other through the water.
The celebrations came as a response to the highly anticipated handshake between the two once-bitter rivals, who had now signed a deal allowing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to collaborate with Kenya Kwanza in delivering their campaign pledges.
The historic moment was witnessed by lawmakers from both political factions.
The Head of State was flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and other Kenya Kwanza legislators. Other government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, also graced the event, where a scarlet-red carpet was rolled out for both leaders.
ODM was represented by key officials, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.
The signing was preceded by prayers before Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina took centre stage to MC the event.
Before the two leaders put pen to paper, the Secretary-Generals of both parties, Edwin Sifuna (ODM) and Hassan Omar (UDA), outlined key issues they had agreed to address jointly.
These included the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Fighting corruption, creating employment opportunities for the youth, tackling conflicts of interest, auditing the national debt, and ensuring compensation for protest victims were among the key matters they committed to resolving together.
