In a powerful show of political unity and maturity, President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga jointly chaired a high-level Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting on Monday 18th August 2025 bringing together lawmakers from Kenya Kwanza and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This unprecedented event marks a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape, signaling a potential end to decades of rivalry and partisanship. The meeting stems from a March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two leaders, which laid the foundation for cross-party collaboration.
The MoU emphasized 10 key areas of focus, including:
- National unity
- Economic reforms
- Devolution
- Youth employment
- Electoral justice
- Anti-corruption efforts
- Social welfare reforms
- Public sector accountability
- Institutional development
- Peaceful co-existence
This PG meeting is the first concrete step in translating that agreement into action, guided by a technical committee chaired by Dr. Agnes Zani. The meeting was held at the President’s official residence in Karen and was attended by dozens of MPs and Senators from both political coalitions. The atmosphere was a mix of cautious optimism and political tension, as long-time allies and opponents shared the same table under one roof.
Some very important key highlights in the meeting included;
- Corruption Takes Center Stage
President Ruto issued a stern warning to MPs against corruption, revealing that some legislators allegedly received up to KSh 10 million in bribes to pass certain bills and he said,.
We are not going to name and shame anymore—we will arrest and jail corrupt MPs
- Raila Stands His Ground
ODM leader Raila Odinga faced resistance from some Kenya Kwanza MPs when he reiterated his call to scrap the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), arguing that it undermines devolution. The heckling was so loud that President Ruto had to step in and ask the MPs to allow Raila to finish his remarks.
- Unity Message
Raila urged leaders to protect the nation from political polarization, referencing failed states as cautionary tales.
Kenya must never walk the path of countries that let their political differences tear them apart
- Notable Absentees
Despite ODM’s official participation, a few vocal party members, including Senator Edwin Sifuna and MP Babu Owino, skipped the meeting and this highlighted internal dissent and ongoing ideological differences within the party.
This PG meeting may be symbolic, but it also carries significant political weight. For years, Kenyan politics has been shaped by intense opposition-versus-government dynamics. With Raila and Ruto now co-chairing a policy-driven agenda, the narrative is shifting from “Us vs. Them” to “Us for Kenya.” If successful, this bipartisan initiative could improve legislative efficiency, reduce political violence and tension, promote inclusive policymaking and shift focus from elections to economic recovery
Conclusion
The Karen meeting between President Ruto and Raila Odinga marks a rare moment of hope in Kenyan politics. Whether this is the beginning of a new era of unity or a temporary truce remains to be seen. For now, it’s a bold step toward national dialogue—and perhaps, a glimpse into the future of a more cohesive Kenya.
