President William Ruto has pledged that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will either form or be part of Kenya’s next government.

Speaking during the funeral service of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Siaya, on October 19, 2025, Ruto said he was proud of the political partnership between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.

The president revealed that after the 2022 General Election, he met Raila privately and promised to correct past injustices against him. He described the late former prime minister as his teacher in politics, saying their visions for Kenya were closely aligned.

“The contest was between a teacher and his student,” Ruto said. “Had Raila won that election, I would have won too, because his plans on housing, health, education and agriculture were the same as mine.”

Ruto added that a few months after the election, he reached out to Raila to offer him support and inclusion in government.

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Ruto vows to uphold agreement

The president said he was proud that ODM is now part of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He noted that Raila did not give him any conditions for cooperation, and that together they agreed to appoint John Badi as Kenya’s first Finance Minister from Nyanza.

“Today inflation has dropped from 9.6 per cent to 4 per cent, and the exchange rate has improved from 165 to 129. These are results of our joint effort,” Ruto said.

He promised to keep ODM strong, calling political parties the foundation of democracy.

“The future and strength of ODM matter a great deal to me,” he said. “By God’s grace, ODM will either form the next government or be part of it.”

Siaya Governor James Orengo also spoke at the ceremony, urging Ruto to honour the 10-point agreement signed between ODM and UDA in March 2025. Orengo said implementing the deal would keep Raila’s legacy alive.

“Mr President, fulfil the agreement because that will keep the legacy and spirit of Raila burning,” Orengo said.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Ososti echoed the same message, asking Ruto to ensure the 10-point agenda is fully implemented by March 2026, as Raila had wished.