Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, has stood firm on his decision to join a broad-based government with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the move was necessary to safeguard Kenya’s stability.

Speaking during Asiyo’s state funeral service on Friday, August 8, 2025, Raila recalled the country’s fragile state of the previous year.

“We as Kenyans know where we have come from; we were in a dire state sometime last year. There was a probability of Kenya degenerating into a failed state because of people who do not understand our history as a country,” he said.

He defended the coalition as a peace-building measure, declaring, “We sacrificed so that there could be peace in this country, and that’s why we are here today. I do not regret what we did; we did it in the best interest of our country, and Kenya must move forward.”

Tribute to Phoebe asiyo

He called for the erection of a monument in Nairobi to honour her life’s work.

“She fought for the rights of Kenyans… I want Mr President to follow it up by dedicating a monument in Nairobi for Phoebe Asiyo because she has done what many have failed to do,” he said.

Asiyo, who passed away on July 17, was a trailblazing female MP who championed gender equality, social reform, and community development. Raila described her as a pillar of compassion and leadership, noting her personal support during the passing of his father.

Focus on coalition agenda

The ODM-UDA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) forms the backbone of the coalition. It outlines a 10-point agenda addressing the NADCO report, youth empowerment, peaceful protests, and the war on corruption.

Raila stressed that the partnership must deliver tangible benefits, including lowering the cost of living, ensuring food security, improving education, and creating jobs. ODM plans to establish a technical team to fast-track implementation.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the absence of such a committee had slowed progress, calling it “the missing link”. Raila confirmed that both sides had reviewed the MoU and created a framework to ensure it is followed “to the letter”.

Inclusive development goals

ODM is pushing to increase county allocations from Ksh 415 billion to Ksh 50 billion and to convene an intergenerational conference to address youth concerns. These initiatives mirror Asiyo’s inclusive legacy.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has backed the ODM-UDA pact, calling it on X “one invincible Kenya, a prerequisite catalyst for the country’s economic revitalisation.”

For Raila, honouring national heroes and strengthening political stability go hand in hand—both essential to building a Kenya that values its past while securing a prosperous future.