ODM ISSUES A STATEMENT ON RAILA-RUTO MOU

The ODM Party has released a statement regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto. During a press briefing, on July 29, 2025, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna announced that the party had convened to assess the nation’s current state and the MoU with UDA. He affirmed ODM’s support for Raila’s decision to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza administration to foster stability and create a conducive environment for Kenyans to address their concerns democratically. To accelerate the implementation of the MoU’s 10-point agenda, Sifuna revealed that ODM will form a technical team to work alongside UDA counterparts, serving as part of the political framework to advance the agreement.

He noted that the absence of such a committee, a provision outlined in the MoU has been identified as a key obstacle to progress. Sifuna emphasized the party’s priority to fully execute the NADCO report, safeguard youth livelihoods, uphold the right to peaceful protests, ensure the rule of law, and combat corruption and misuse of public funds. While acknowledging the increased allocation of Ksh415 billion to counties in the current financial year, ODM insists on pushing for at least Ksh450 billion, as previously proposed by Raila. The party also demands the complete devolution of functions and the corresponding resources to count5ies as, mandated by the constitution.

Additionally, ODM backs calls for a national integrational dialogue to address pressing issues, particularly those affecting the youth, and to chart a collective way forward. He also confirmed that the party will proceed with grassroots elections and programs in celebration of ODM’s 20th anniversary, reinforcing its renewal, restructuring, and internal strengthening efforts. Despite differing opinions among members, the party’s leadership has fostered unity and a shared commitment to serving Kenyans’ interests.