The recent agreement between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto to work together has stirred mixed emotions among Coast residents, with some welcoming the move as a step toward unity and progress, while others fear it could cripple the country’s opposition.

In various Bunge la Wananchi fora across Mombasa, the political discourse was heated, with many questioning the wisdom of Raila joining hands with President Ruto, despite the president’s perceived failure to fulfill his campaign pledges.

At the Bunge la Wananchi session near the Kenya National Library in Polana, Charles Musa expressed his disappointment, arguing that Ruto had reneged on his promises to the youth and small businesses.

Affordable loans

“Ruto has blundered by failing to fulfill the promises he made to Kenyans during campaigns. During the campaigns, Ruto vowed to tackle unemployment through agro-processing, value addition, housing, and affordable loans for small and medium enterprises. But where are those promises now? Raila was supposed to be his competitor, yet here they are together. Why are they taking us backward?” Musa posed.

Henry Wanyoike, another participant, accused Raila of betraying Kenyans. He lamented that the ODM leader had built his 2022 campaign on the hope of rescuing the country from unemployment, a high cost of living, and deepening poverty.

“We’ve realized Ruto had no concrete plan for governing. He appears clueless, and perhaps that’s why he is now seeking help elsewhere. But Kenyans are watching. The hostile reception he received at Gusii Stadium was just the beginning. Actions have consequences,” Wanyoike remarked.

Raphael Odieny Wakaya from Ziwa la Ng’ombe in Nyali echoed similar concerns, citing Ruto’s lavish donations to churches as a sign of misplaced priorities.

“How can he splash Sh140 million in a week while Kenyans are suffering? That money could support education, infrastructure, or devolution. If Raila truly wants justice for Kenyans, he must be on the ballot in 2027. Otherwise, we will vote them out and seek better leadership,” Wakaya asserted.

Felix Kiprop, a Gen Z representative, viewed the coalition as a tactical move by Ruto to secure a second term.

“This is not what the people of Kenya wanted. Coming from Uasin Gishu, I can tell you we have a plan. We will mobilize every young voter to ensure he goes home,” Kiprop vowed.

However, not everyone was against the alliance. Wycliffe Onyango, a vocal member of Bunge la Wananchi, welcomed the handshake, saying it could foster national stability and development.