Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has said that the recent handshake between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a genuine partnership aimed at fostering unity and accelerating development in the country.

In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Cherargei emphasized that the new alliance between Ruto and Raila is evident in the restructuring of parliamentary leadership and the anticipated changes in the executive.

He noted that the country is now more united under their joint leadership.

“The Ruto-Raila handshake 2025 is a genuine partnership, as you can see in the election of chairpersons in the senate and National Assembly and the looming cabinet reshuffle/PSs and senior government officials appointments. The country is now more united, cohesive, and prosperous under the leadership of Ruto and Baba Raila,” Cherargei stated.

Ruto-Raila deal

The historic agreement between the two leaders was formalized on Friday, March 7, 2025, through a framework titled ‘Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans.’ The pact established collaboration between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party in government, addressing ten key national issues.

The agreement outlines objectives such as the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, enhanced inclusivity in governance, strengthening devolution, protecting youth livelihoods, upholding leadership integrity, ensuring the right to peaceful assembly, tackling national debt, combating corruption, eliminating resource wastage, improving government efficiency, and reinforcing constitutionalism.

During the signing ceremony, Ruto noted that the agreement prioritizes the interests of Kenyans over political gains. He stated that the memorandum was not about political positioning but about serving the people effectively. Raila Odinga, on his part, noted that the agreement aims to ease political tensions and address socio-economic challenges.

“This moment is not about William Ruto or Raila Odinga; this memorandum of understanding is not about sharing positions or winning elections. It is about the interests of the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.

He clarified that while the agreement does not form a political coalition between ODM and UDA, its successful implementation could lay the foundation for future collaboration.

“We have agreed to use our parties as a broad platform bringing together various voices, opinions, and concerns to address the critical challenges facing the country through a formation that is truly inclusive in outlook. We make it clear that the Memorandum we have signed today does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA. However, its successful implementation could inform the basis of steps towards the establishment of a constitutive formation of a stable country in future,” he said.

Parliament shakeup

The framework has led to shifts in parliamentary leadership, particularly affecting allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been elected as the new chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, taking over from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Atandi secured the position after a fiercely contested election and will now be deputized by Robert Pukose.

The changes have seen several MPs perceived to be loyal to Gachagua reassigned to less influential committees.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya were moved to the services and facilities committee, which oversees catering services for legislators. Additionally, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo were transferred to the parliamentary broadcasting and library committee.

Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, Manyatta legislator John Mukunji, and Embakasi Central MP Mejja Donk Gathiru were also affected, being reassigned from key positions to the constitutional implementation oversight committee.

The reshuffle is seen as a strategic maneuver to integrate ODM MPs into the government’s decision-making framework.