Ruto, Raila face litmus test as they plan joint MPs’ meeting
By Rawlings Otieno, August 11, 2025President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga face a litmus test as they plan to convene a joint Parliamentary Group meeting at State House to deliberate on the 2027 polls.
This is after a section of their lieutenants opposed to their broad-based arrangement vowed to boycott the State House meeting planned for August 18, 2025, after the Devolution Conference.
Insiders have intimated that the meeting will address, among other things, a joint legislative agenda in Parliament, a unified communication strategy, national dialogue forums and early coalition planning.
President Ruto is said to be keen on the rollout of affordable housing in opposition stronghold, inclusive public appointments, a shared vision for strengthening devolution, a bipartisan economic recovery plan and a youth employment strategy, among others.
This, even as a section of their lieutenants opposed to the broad-based government, are said to be planning to boycott the meeting should it be held at State House.
Sources who sought anonymity told People Daily that they will not attend the meeting because it is a plot to give them a dressing-down and chastise them for opposing the broad-based arrangement.
“We are opposed to attending a meeting at State House. We have heard about their plans. They want to use the meeting to give a dressing-down to those who are opposed to the broad-based arrangement. We cannot attend such a meeting,” said the source.
The meeting is seen as part of efforts by the two leaders to put together a team to mount a serious re-election campaign.
Dismissed critics
On Friday, August 8, 2025, the former premier, while attending the funeral of Phoebe Asiyo in Homa Bay, responded to criticism of his political agreement with President Ruto, saying that the ultimate judgment on their unity rests with Kenyans at the ballot in the 2027 polls.
Raila dismissed his critics, urging naysayers to give them a chance to implement the 10-point agenda they promised.
“To naysers, give us space, give us room and judge us in 2027. This is going to remain in place until then. After that, we will know how to proceed. To the people who say, ‘wantam, wantam, so what? Kenyans will decide the terms,” said Raila.
He went on: “I am confident that when that time comes, we will face Kenyans and tell them this is what we want and where we want to go. I am not afraid.”
Although a dispatch from State House stated that the joint Parliamentary Group will hold its meeting to review the status of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between President Ruto and Raila, finer details are yet to be communicated.
“The Parliamentary Group will hold its first sitting on August 18, 2025. A final comprehensive report detailing the status of the MoU’s implementation will be released to the public on March 7, 2026, making the one-year anniversary of its signing,” the statement reads in part.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita told People Daily that he had seen the notification of the said meeting but had not yet received an official invitation.
“We have not received any official invite. However, when we receive we will attend the meeting. We expect that many issues affecting Kenya will be discussed, including the unity and inclusivity of all Kenyans,” said Nyamita.
He went on: “The meeting will be to cement the efforts of Ruto and Raila to bring the nation together. ODM and UDA parliamentary group meeting is essentially a meeting of the whole nation because the two parties have representation from across the nation.”
Nyamita, however, did not have any kind words for those opposed to the broad-based government, saying that they will deal with them at the ballot in the 2027 polls.
“Those who are opposed to the broad-based government are opposed to the unity and inclusivity of this country,” charged Nyamita.
Early exit
Already, Raila has ruled out an early exit from the broad-based government formed last year, which saw some of his close allies appointed to the Cabinet and others take up advisory roles.
In a recent local TV interview, Raila affirmed that he is fully aligned with President Ruto, at least until the next elections.
“We have said that we are in the broad-based government until 2027. Beyond 2027 are issues that we will discuss at the appropriate time, and the decision will be made by party members, not Raila Odinga alone,” said Raila.