Ruto Reveals Promise To Raila: I Want You Treated Well
Ruto emphasized that Raila deserved recognition for his significant contributions to nation-building. Therefore, he promised that the ODM leader would get the respect he deserved in Kenya.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto opened up on Friday, March 7, on a phone call he made to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga several months after the 2022 General Election, while promising respect for his former political rival.
While speaking at the signing of a political cooperation deal between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the Head of State, in a poignant moment, hailed Raila as an icon he looked up to politically over the years.
Ruto emphasized that Raila deserved recognition for his significant contributions to nation-building. Therefore, he promised that the ODM leader would get the respect he deserved in Kenya.
"Several months after the elections, I called my brother, and I told him that - you have been my party leader and senior. Today, by God's grace, I want you to be treated well. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that you have respect in Kenya.
President William Ruto (left) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the KICC during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, March 7, 2025. /PCS
"I am not doing this for selfish reasons. I am a younger person, and you are an elder. The contribution you have made deserves respect. That is the relationship I have built with Raila," he stated.
During the signing of the agreement, Ruto expressed gratitude to the ODM leader for supporting him in tackling the nation's challenges, emphasizing that the agreement was not intended for personal gain but aimed at benefiting all Kenyans nationwide.
"Understanding, therefore, that jobs, wealth, enterprise opportunities, and social services must be provided within an environment that is free, open, democratic, and competitive, we move forward with a shared commitment — not only to doing the right things for our nation but also to ensuring they are done right," Ruto said.
"We, the leaders of Kenya Kwanza and ODM, commit to implementing the NADCO report to address key national issues, including the cost of living, youth unemployment, and gender inclusion. We also pledge to foster inclusivity in governance and development, protect and strengthen devolution, invest in creating opportunities for the youth, uphold integrity in leadership, and safeguard the right to peaceful assembly."
Raila, on his part, disclosed that the Memorandum of Understanding between UDA and ODM was initially set to be signed in Mombasa after his return from Addis Ababa. In his address during the event, Raila explained that while at State House Mombasa, he was presented with the agreement, which had been drafted by a joint team from both parties.
However, he refused to sign it immediately, informing President Ruto and his team that he first needed to consult his party members.
Raila further stated that he then embarked on nationwide consultations, emphasizing that his decision to sign the deal was based on feedback gathered from his allies and supporters.
"At that time, I found that the two teams had worked on some document that they wanted to be signed. I told them I cannot sign this document until I have consulted my people," he stated.
"So I took time. I went to Kisumu and met with Professor Anyang' Nyong'o, and I met with the leadership and elders. I went to Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Busia. I went to the Coast and went to Wajir. Yesterday, I was in Kisii, Narok and Nairobi. I managed to get the feeling of my people."
He emphasized once again that the agreement was not politically driven but focused on their commitment to addressing the country’s challenges.
As part of the deal, he announced that the ODM party would advocate for county governments to receive a minimum allocation of Ksh 450 billion in the upcoming budget. Raila also advocated for increased funding for political parties, emphasizing their crucial role in strengthening public confidence in the government.
"We commit to strengthen devolution as a machinery for ensuring a more inclusive development across the country," he said.
"In this regard, we will be tabling a proposal to ensure that counties get not less than Ksh 450 Billion in the 2025/2026 financial year. We will also seek the flow of funds to political parties being vehicles in channelling the hopes and aspirations of the people."
The two parties signed a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening national unity and addressing governance issues. Key commitments include the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, ensuring inclusivity in budget allocations and public appointments, and protecting the principles of devolution.
The MoU also emphasizes economic investments benefiting the youth, promoting leadership integrity, and discouraging extravagant lifestyles among public officials. Additionally, the agreement calls for safeguarding citizens' rights to peaceful assembly, compensating victims of rights violations, and conducting a comprehensive audit of national debt usage.
Other provisions focus on tackling corruption, eliminating wasteful spending of public resources, and upholding the sovereignty of the people by preventing abductions. It further underscores a commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and press freedom.
