Kathiani Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Mbui has dismissed the recent political alliance between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that it will not boost Ruto’s chances in the 2027 presidential race.

Speaking on a local media station on Monday, March 10, 2025, Mbui criticized the agreement, describing it as a mere political manoeuvre aimed at creating the illusion of national unity while serving Ruto’s long-term interests.

He pointed out a double standard in the characterization of political alliances, suggesting hypocrisy in how different political groups are regarded.

“You’ve heard the talk that this new arrangement is killing tribalism. And I’m very surprised because when you see Kalonzo Musyoka speaking to Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Richard Onyonka, who say he represents Matiang’i, then that’s called a tribal grouping. But when you see Raila Odinga speaking to William Ruto, that is called unity,” Mbui stated.

Mbui expressed confidence that, despite the political manoeuvring, the deal will not enhance Ruto’s chances in the upcoming general election.

“I want to believe this is some kind of coalition, preparing Ruto’s path into possibly winning the next election and I will tell them that it will not happen,” he asserted.

“I do not see Ruto winning in 2027 because whatever is happening now is not going to add any value to him,” he added.

Furthermore, the Kathiani legislator questioned the validity of the ten-point agenda outlined in the Ruto-Raila pact, describing it as a mere rehashing of existing constitutional provisions intended to create an illusion of progress.

He argued that the much-touted agreement lacks genuine innovation or substance.

“If you look at the ten-point agenda that was raised, you just need to read the constitution—every one of those is already in it. They just did a summary of the constitution, picked a few things, put them together to make it look and sound very nice, and tell Kenyans that now suddenly things are happening,” Mbui remarked.

Ruto-Raila pact

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Ruto and Raila Odinga signed a framework agreement that will see the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party collaborate in government.

The agreement, titled ‘Understanding to Resolve the Social and Political Challenges Facing Kenyans,’ seeks to address ten issues affecting the Kenyan population.

The pact aims for the government to expedite the full implementation of the NADCO report, promote inclusivity in public life, strengthen devolution, protect the livelihoods of young people, uphold leadership and integrity, safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protest, tackle the national debt, combat corruption, eliminate wastage of public resources, enhance government efficiency, and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law, and constitutionalism.

During the signing event, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated that the pact would address a political crisis that has hindered development over the years.

“Kenya has faced a long period of political crisis that has hampered development. H.E. Ruto and Raila, as leaders of the largest parties, acknowledge the need for a broad platform to collaborate and address these long-standing challenges,” Sifuna said.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar in his address criticized public servants for exhibiting signs of opulence.

“Kenyans are concerned by the opulence and arrogant conduct of public officers, coupled with impunity. It’s crucial that public servants’ demeanour reflects the dignity of their offices and the respect owed to the citizens of Kenya,” Omar stated.