Days after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that listed 10 key issues that should be addressed, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has expressed hope about the positive developments occurring in Kenya’s governance.

Taking to his official X account on Friday, March 21, 2025, Kaluma praised the political truce for creating a more stable and welcoming atmosphere while highlighting significant advancements in national unity and administration.

Kaluma claims that in the two weeks since the MoU was signed, there have been no documented instances of kidnappings or enforced disappearances, proving that the deal has already paid off.

Kaluma on human rights

He went ahead to point out that this represents a change toward a higher regard for fundamental freedoms and human rights.

According to the ODM lawmaker, respecting and honouring the Orange party leader Raila Odinga means upholding the national values and principles of governance that he stands for, which he says are respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and participation of the people, inclusivity, equality, equity, accountability, transparency, good governance, and the rule of law.

“Respecting and honouring Baba @RailaOdinga means upholding the national values and principles of governance that he stands for: respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and participation of the people, inclusivity, equality, equity, accountability, transparency, good governance, and the rule of law,” Kaluma stated.

Respecting and honouring Baba @RailaOdinga means upholding the National Values and Principles of Governance that he stands for: respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and participation of the people, inclusivity, equality, equity, accountability,…

— Hon. George Peter Kaluma, CBS. MP. (Commentaries) (@gpdkaluma) March 21, 2025

Other than the lack of cases of abductions and forced disappearances, Kaluma claims that the public service is being reorganized to uphold ethnic and regional balance and to reflect the face of Kenya, following the ODM-UDA deal.

He further claims that the ideals of ODM are being injected in the country’s governance for national good, arguing that the next biggest issue that the broad-based government has now shifted focus on is the cost of living.

Kaluma went ahead to state that the cost of living will be addressed through improving trade, necessary infrastructure, repaying the national debt, reducing taxes, fighting corruption, and efficient government.

“1. No abduction or forced disappearance has been reported 14 days after the signing of the MoU between @TheODMparty and @UDAKenya. 2. The public service is being reorganized to uphold ethnic and regional balance and to reflect “the face of Kenya.” 3. The ideals of @TheODMparty are being injected in our governance for national good. 4. Our eyes are firmly trained on the cost of living—improving trade, necessary infrastructure, repaying the national debt, reducing taxes, fighting corruption, and efficient government. It is difficult, but it must be achieved,” he wrote on X.

UDA-ODM MoU

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President William Ruto and Raila Odinga signed a joint working framework agreement that will see the Kenya Kwanza coalition and the 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.

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.