Raila Praises Ruto’s Policies, Urges Kenyans to Support Government

In a surprising turn of events, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s administration, stating that many of the Kenya Kwanza government’s policies mirror those initially proposed by his own Azimio coalition.

Speaking on Friday in Homa Bay Town, Odinga described the growing collaboration as a national partnership aimed at solving long-standing challenges that date back to pre-independence Kenya.

“Haya yote tulikuwa nayo kwa mpango yetu ya Azimio na sasa si mnaona watu wa Kenya Kwanza wameiga mfano yetu na hii ni kitu mzuri. Nataka hawa wananchi wetu waunge hawa mkono,” said Raila, encouraging his supporters to back the current administration.

President Ruto, who was also present, echoed Odinga’s sentiments, calling for national unity and inclusive development. “Mimi na Baba tumekubaliana kuunganisha taifa la Kenya, hakuna jamii itabaki nyuma…tutahakikisha wale watu wa hasira na kisirani hawatapta nafasi ili Kenya iweze kuenda mbele,” he said.

Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Ali Hassan Joho added a humorous touch, referring to the renewed alliance as a “reunion,” noting that many key figures in the current government, including Ruto himself, once belonged to ODM. “Rais Ruto ni founder member wa ODM…sasa tumekutana kati kati. Si ni reunion?”

The leaders also addressed recent marginalization concerns, with Joho and Governor Gladys Wanga emphasizing that previously sidelined regions, particularly in ODM strongholds, are now benefitting from national projects.

Among the key initiatives launched in Homa Bay were:

• An ultra-modern fish market
• The Homa Bay Pier redevelopment
• The Homa Bay affordable housing project

President Ruto also pledged to resolve the Lake Victoria insecurity that has led to the harassment of Kenyan fishermen by neighboring countries. “I sent Joho to engage his colleagues in Uganda and Tanzania…we are working towards a uniform license system for all fishermen to stop inter-country arrests,” he said.

With these developments, observers note that Kenya’s political landscape could be shifting toward a more collaborative approach, with traditional rivals now appearing to prioritize national development over partisan politics.

In other news:Kitale: 19-Year-Old Boy Killed for Letting Cows Graze in Maize Farm

Raila Praises Ruto’s Policies, Urges Kenyans to Support Government