Kenya, April 12 -- National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed calls for President William Ruto's resignation, asserting that the President remains firmly in office with the backing of Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a political rally in Ugunja, Siaya County, on Saturday, Wandayi addressed protesters chanting "Ruto must go," stating, "He is going nowhere because he is with Raila Odinga."
Wandayi's remarks come amid growing tensions over Ruto's leadership, fuelled by recent economic challenges and public discontent.
The alliance between Ruto and Odinga, once political rivals, has sparked debate within opposition circles, with some accusing Odinga of softening his stance against the government.
Political analysts suggest Wandayi's statement aims to quell unrest among opposition supporters while reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two leaders.
The political alliance between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 7, 2025, has reshaped Kenya's political landscape.
The agreement between Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) aims to foster cooperation to address Kenya's socio-economic and political challenges, including ballooning debt, corruption, and youth unemployment.
The alliance emerged after months of turmoil, notably the 2024 Gen Z protests sparked by proposed tax hikes, which led to at least 60 deaths, according to rights groups.
Facing a crisis, Ruto incorporated ODM members into his cabinet, forming a "broad-based government" to stabilise his administration.
The MoU, signed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, emphasises inclusivity, constitutionalism, and leadership integrity, explicitly denying intentions of a full coalition or ODM joining the government.
Ruto has hailed the partnership as a step toward a unified Kenya, praising Odinga's sacrifices for national stability. Odinga, a five-time presidential candidate, framed the agreement as a means to ease tensions and realign national priorities, particularly for the youth.
The pact also followed Ruto's support for Odinga's unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship in February 2025.
However, the alliance has drawn scepticism. Critics argue it's a strategic move for Ruto to bolster his 2027 re-election bid by leveraging Odinga's loyal base, particularly in western Kenya. Some ODM supporters view Odinga's cooperation with Ruto-whom he previously called illegitimate after the 2022 election-as a betrayal of opposition principles.
Others see it as pragmatic, given Kenya's history of "handshake politics", where rivals unite to share power, as seen in Odinga's past deals with presidents Moi, Kibaki, and Kenyatta.
Public sentiment remains divided. While some praise the alliance for promoting stability, others, especially Gen Z, express distrust, viewing it as elite self-preservation amid ongoing economic struggles.
Analysts suggest the partnership's success hinges on addressing public demands, like the cost of living, before the 2027 polls.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.