Kenyan President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have signed a political deal to address economic instability and national tensions.
The agreement follows months of unrest over Ruto’s tax policies, which triggered youth-led protests and left at least 60 dead. Seeking broader support, Ruto joined forces with Odinga, a five-time presidential candidate, to form a “broad-based government.”
“We agree to realign the country’s priorities to address the youth agenda,” said the 80-year-old Odinga.
Ruto called the alliance “a path to the promised land where freedom and opportunity are guaranteed.”
Critics see the deal as a strategy to stabilize Ruto’s presidency amid mounting discontent and failed campaign promises.
Political analyst Barrack Muluka described it as an attempt to “salvage a collapsing regime.”
The Auditor General has raised concerns over costly government projects, while experts warn Odinga’s cooperation weakens opposition oversight.
This is not Odinga’s first alliance with a sitting government.
In 2018, he struck a controversial truce with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, a move Ruto, then deputy president, strongly opposed.
