Nyando MP Jared Okello has hailed the pact between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga for having brought about political stability to the country.

Speaking during a TV interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Okello observed that Kenya has witnessed relative peace since the deal was inked on March 7, 2025.

“We have attained political stability since ODM came together with UDA. This is because the only disruption we had was the Saba Saba demos on July 7, 2025, which was also thwarted by the security agencies,” Okello remarked.

Saba Saba demos

“In the 10 years of President Kibaki and President Uhuru, no one commemorated Saba Saba; why are they doing it now?”

While the country has witnessed several protests even after the signing of the deal, a majority of them have been infiltrated by goons, who have disrupted protesters and injured others in the confrontations that followed.

Okello’s remarks were rebutted by Third Way Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot, who noted that the current arrangement between Ruto and Raila was an assault against the constitution.

Aukot equally revealed that the ODM brigade had betrayed the masses by castigating the same Saba Saba demos, which they had supported for years.

“There is nothing absolutely wrong with Saba Saba. In fact, it is very significant in our political history in this country. ODM used to lead those demos, but now they have betrayed that achievement of multi-partyism,” Aukot said.

Blurred roles

With the broad-based government, the opposition has been co-opted into the various arms of the government, ultimately blurring the distinct roles of the institutions. Several ODM MPs and senators now chair parliamentary committees that were reserved for the ruling coalition of parties.

While Ruto hails the move as a major stride towards national cohesion, a section of politicians and members of the clergy have cast aspersions on the arrangement.

Ruto now hangs onto his newfound dalliance with Raila and his close allies to secure re-election in the 2027 polls, even as the United Opposition remains the greatest threat to his second term.