The ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the opposition outfit, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), on Friday, April 25, 2025, initiated the process of addressing the disquiet among Kenyans over the recently signed framework.

As part of the process, UDA Secretary General Omar Hassan led a delegation to Chungwa House in Nairobi to iron out some of the contentious issues that had triggered outrage from Kenyans.

In a statement, ODM noted that its party Executive Director, Odour Ogwen, played host to UDA leaders, where issues regarding the signed pact dominated their discussions.

ODM noted that the two leaders agreed to fully implement all 10 areas contained in the signed framework.

“They agreed to have the pertinent issues raised by Kenyans resolved and ensure that the ten points highlighted in the document are implemented to the letter to avoid a backlash and mistrust by Kenyans,” a statement shared by ODM on X read in part.

They also touched on the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and agreed to push for its implementation.

The 10 points

In March 2025, President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga signed a landmark political pact centred on a 10-point agenda aimed at fostering national unity and addressing long-standing governance challenges.

The agreement, which was signed after years of political rivalry, sought to implement the recommendations of the NADCO report, including the creation of the Office of the Official Opposition Leader and the reinstatement of the Prime Minister’s position.

The pact advocated for inclusivity, good governance, and the protection of devolution, among other reforms. It also committed to strengthening accountability mechanisms to combat corruption and ensure ethical leadership.

The right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as guaranteed under Article 37, was also highlighted in the pact.

Backlash

Besides the signing of the landmark pact, UDA has struggled to work in silence as criticism has continued to mount.

Key members of the ODM party recently joined the train, with Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino not shying away from calling out Ruto’s administration.

During the burial of Raila’s bodyguard, Ruto threatened to convene a meeting to discipline Sifuna over his utterances. The latest on the line is Orengo, who was recently threatened with impeachment for calling out the ills in the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Kenyans, on the other hand, have sustained the attacks to an extent that Ruto said during his China’s trip that he is barely praised.