Ruto–Raila Deal Expires in March, Winnie Odinga Reveals Amid UDA–ODM Talks

Ruto–Raila Deal Expires in March, Winnie Odinga Reveals Amid UDA–ODM Talks

President William Ruto’s political cooperation agreement with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to expire in just over a month, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has revealed, adding a new dimension to ongoing discussions between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, January 27, Winnie disclosed that the 10-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between UDA and ODM on March 7, 2025, will lapse on March 7, 2026. The agreement, signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), laid out a framework for political cooperation and reform-oriented engagement between the two parties.

According to Winnie, the approaching expiry date explains the renewed urgency by President Ruto’s allies to court ODM’s support, even as questions linger over whether the commitments contained in the agreement have been fully implemented.

“The MoU has a very clear expiry date. It expires on March 7, 2026. That date was deliberately put there so that we review how far we have gone on social justice, anti-corruption and the other agreed issues before deciding our next steps,” Winnie said.

She stressed that ODM would not engage in negotiations for a fresh pre-coalition or political arrangement until the government accounts for progress made under the existing agreement. Winnie described the MoU as a social contract not just between political parties, but with the Kenyan people.

“You cannot negotiate a new deal when the old one has not been honoured. If the agreement is trashed or ignored, then there is no basis for negotiating on behalf of Kenyans or ODM supporters,” she added.

The EALA legislator dismissed suggestions that the agreement’s relevance diminished following political shifts, including the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, insisting that the MoU transcends individual personalities.

“It cannot be trashed simply because Raila Odinga is no longer in the picture. This was never about one person; it was about issues affecting Kenyans,” she said.

The 10-point agenda focuses on key governance and reform priorities, including social justice, anti-graft measures, economic inclusion, protection of constitutionalism, and respect for human rights. ODM leaders have repeatedly maintained that implementation of these points is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any future political cooperation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Winnie’s remarks come amid growing speculation about ODM’s political strategy as the next election cycle approaches. There has been renewed debate over whether the ruling coalition is seeking broader political backing without first fulfilling reform promises made under the MoU.

ODM has previously outlined conditions for deeper engagement with the ruling coalition, including equitable power sharing, senior government appointments, and clarity on key leadership positions. However, party insiders say the fulfilment of the 10-point agenda remains the most critical benchmark.

In recent weeks, the team tasked with overseeing the implementation of the agreement held a meeting at State House, where they briefed President Ruto on the status of various commitments. According to sources familiar with the process, the team agreed to compile and present a preliminary progress report by February 6, just weeks before the agreement’s expiry.

Raila Odinga’s daughter Winnie Odinga paying tribute to her father at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, 2025.

The coming weeks are expected to be politically significant, as ODM evaluates whether the government has delivered on its promises and determines its posture ahead of the 2027 polls. With the clock ticking toward March 7, the fate of the UDA–ODM cooperation agreement is likely to shape Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

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Ruto–Raila Deal Expires in March, Winnie Odinga Reveals Amid UDA–ODM Talks