Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has stepped forward to fiercely defend the decision by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to unite and sign a framework agreement, stating that all Kenyans are absolutely thrilled by the move.

Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday, March 7, 2025, during the momentous signing ceremony, Sakaja urged President Ruto to proudly thump his chest over the decision, stressing that Kenyans had embraced it with overflowing enthusiasm.

According to Sakaja, the nation was swept with joy over the agreement because they were convinced that the coalition would bring peace and harmony and finally set the country on a path of progress.

“Tuko na viongozi wengi hapa leo hii, tuko na magovernor, tuko na maseneta, lakini tuko na wananchi ambao wamejawa na furaha juu wanajua nchi yetu imejaa umoja sasa.”

Sakaja further hailed the alliance as a powerful strike against ethnicity and tribalism, saying he himself was overjoyed that ODM and the President’s Kenya Kwanza had finally recognised the urgency of unity.

He added that he and other leaders were eager to work together and that Kenyans stood to gain immensely from the implementation of the agreement.

“Ndio hiyo sasa, mmemaliza siasa za ukabila, kukuja pamoja kwa ODM na UDA, kukubaliana kufanya kazi pamoja, tunataka Wakenya wote wawe kitu kimoja.“

Agreement signing

The governor’s remarks came moments after Raila and Ruto had officially signed the framework agreement, which, according to them, is meant to enable ODM to collaborate with Kenya Kwanza in fulfilling campaign pledges to the people.

As the historic event unfolded, leaders stepped forward to address the sea of Kenyans who had camped at KICC to witness the groundbreaking occasion, while Sakaja passionately interpreted why their overwhelming turnout was a testament to the significance of the moment.

The landmark deal between the former political adversaries, now turned allies, was witnessed by legislators drawn from both sides of the political spectrum.

The Head of State was flanked by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and a host of Kenya Kwanza lawmakers.

Senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, also graced the grand event, where a scarlet red carpet was elegantly laid out for both leaders.

ODM’s delegation was led by key stalwarts, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.

The signing was preceded by solemn prayers before Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina took centre stage as the charismatic master of ceremonies.

Before the two leaders officially put pen to paper, the Secretary Generals of both parties—Sifuna for ODM and Hassan Omar for UDA—publicly outlined the crucial issues they had pledged to tackle together.

These included the full execution of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

The pact also encompassed commitments to uprooting corruption, unlocking employment opportunities for the youth, addressing conflicts of interest, scrutinising the national debt, and ensuring justice and compensation for victims of past protests.