National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula on Thursday night, March 13, 2025, rebuked political leaders pouring cold water on the newly established pact between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Speaking during the inaugural Parliament Iftar dinner to mark the holy month of Ramadan at Parliament Buildings, Wetang’ula took a swipe at political leaders opposing the Ruto-Raila reunion, noting that they were ignorant of the benefits the pact would bring to Kenyans.

“I strongly condemn leaders who are criticizing Opposition leader Odinga for agreeing to work with President Ruto,” he stated.

He added, “I commend the ODM leader for the move because this is among many sacrifices he has made for the prosperity of this nation, and we should support the decision instead of dismissing it”.

Calls for unity

While reprimanding a section of opposition leaders opposed to the new arrangement, Wetang’ula implored leaders to rally behind the national unity agenda spearheaded by Ruto and Raila.

The speaker insisted that the success of the national unity initiative is dependent on the support of all leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.

“The pact between President Dr Ruto and former Premier Odinga is for the good of the country. If we mean well for the country we should all rally behind them for peace and prosperity of our nation,” Wetang’ula said.

Skipped the event

Wetang’ula was not present during the signing of the pact at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was also not present but later released a statement saying he was on official duties assigned by the president.

However, the two leaders have come out boldly to throw their weight behind the new arrangement.

With Raila’s entry expected to shake-up the ruling side, ODM MPs reaped big during the reorganisation of various committees in the National Assembly.

A purge targeted allies of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who lost their positions and ODM MPs gained control.

Hon Samuel Atandi – Chair Budget
Hon James Nyikal – Chair Health
Hon Bernard Shinyali- Chair Trade
Hon Irene Mayaka – Chair Regional Intergration
Hon Emmanuel Wangwe – PIC on Social service administration and Agriculture
Hon Eve Obara – Vice Chair Education
Hon John Ariko… pic.twitter.com/C1kLD8LP9L

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 13, 2025