ODM party leader Raila Odinga has revealed why he refused to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in Mombasa.

On February 24, 2025, President William Ruto hosted Raila at the state House in Mombasa where documents were seen lying on the table as they spoke in the presence of Raila’s lawyer Paul Mwangi.

Speaking on Friday, March 7, 2025, after signing the expression of interest to work together with the UDA party, Odinga noted that there was need for consultation before committing to the pact.

“At the time, I found out that the two teams had worked out some documents that they wanted to be signed. I told them I cannot sign the documents until I have consulted our people,” Raila said.

“I managed to get the feeling of my supporters and that is the reason why I am able and confident to sign this document.”

Consultative tours

In his consultative tours which Odinga describes as random sampling, he traversed various regions including Luo-Nyanza, Kisii, Narok, Busia, Wajir, Mombasa, Kilifi and Nairobi counties.

Odinga says the MoU will help to ease tensions and alleviate the political, social and economic issues plaguing the country.

“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,” Odinga stated.

He has pledged to address constitutionalism, rule of law and respect for human rights in his pact with the UDA party as well as addressing issues of youth unemployment, cost of living, inequality and failure of institutions.

Commit to the pact

“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.”

On his part, President William Ruto defended the pact and its aspirations, stating that the issues of cost of living, youth unemployment and inclusion will be addressed by his government.

“We the leaders of the UDA, Kenya-Kwanza and ODM commit to implementing the NADCO report to address key national issues including the cost of living, youth unemployment and gender inclusion,” Ruto stated.