Raila To Be Prime Minister In New Deal With Ruto, Sources Say

NAIROBI – A political deal brewing between Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto could see Raila appointed as Kenya’s non-executive Prime Minister, sources close to the negotiations have revealed.

The arrangement, which echoes past power-sharing agreements in Kenya’s history, is reportedly nearing completion and could reshape the structure of the Kenya Kwanza administration in the coming days.

According to insiders, Raila is pushing for a cooperation model similar to the 1997 deal he struck with then-President Daniel Moi, which allowed ODM to retain its identity.

However, President Ruto favors a more formalized agreement akin to the 2008 National Accord brokered with President Mwai Kibaki, which birthed a grand coalition government. “Raila wants ODM’s autonomy preserved, but Ruto is keen on a concrete pact that ensures long-term collaboration,” a source disclosed.

The centerpiece of this deal is the creation of a Prime Minister’s office for Raila, a position that would be established through an Act of Parliament rather than a constitutional amendment.

While the 2010 Constitution does not provide for such a role, the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report—compiled last year amid talks between Kenya Kwanza and Raila’s Azimio la Umoja coalition—could pave the way. The report, which may soon be fast-tracked through Parliament, proposes the Prime Minister’s office as part of a broader government restructuring.

A Strategic Alliance

The talks come in the wake of last year’s Gen Z-led protests, which shook the country and pushed Ruto to seek Raila’s support to stabilize his administration. Sources indicate that Raila’s security detail has already been enhanced, and he is expected to operate from Harambee House Annex once the office is formalized. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will relocate to his Karen offices, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi will retain his Railways headquarters base, unaffected by the new structure.

Raila’s return to the political fold is also set to bring significant perks for ODM.

Negotiations reportedly include offers of up to 12 Principal Secretary positions—though Raila is pushing for 16—as well as Cabinet slots, parliamentary committee roles, ambassadorial postings, and other senior appointments.

There is even talk of creating a new Ministry for Devolution and replacing Attorney General Justin Muturi with an ODM nominee.

Constitutional Concerns

However, the proposed Prime Minister’s office is not without controversy. Legal experts warn that it could face challenges, given that the Constitution only recognizes the President, Deputy President, Attorney General, and a maximum of 22 Cabinet Secretaries within the Executive. “The 2008 National Accord was a product of a different constitutional era. Today’s framework doesn’t easily accommodate such an office,” said political analyst Gitile Naituli.

Despite these hurdles, Ruto appears determined to cement the alliance. At the burial of Baringo Senator William Cheptumo on Saturday, he hinted at the convergence of Kenya Kwanza and Azimio agendas, setting the stage for a major government shake-up.

Analysts speculate that only a handful of Cabinet Secretaries, particularly those allied to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, will survive the anticipated reshuffle.

ODM Divisions

Within ODM, the deal has sparked dissent. Leaders like Siaya Senator James Orengo and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna are said to oppose the arrangement, setting the stage for a tense party meeting in Nairobi today.

Critics argue that aligning with Ruto dilutes ODM’s opposition credentials at a time when Kenyans are grappling with economic hardships and demanding accountability.

Political analyst Martin Andati suggests Raila’s new role could position him as a “co-principal” alongside Ruto, given that his responsibilities would be legislated by Parliament—unlike Mudavadi’s Prime Cabinet Secretary role, which has been overshadowed by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

“Raila’s influence would eclipse Kindiki’s, making him a formidable figure in this government,” Andati noted.

Public Spending Questions

The creation of the Prime Minister’s office also raises fiscal concerns. With the Presidency already allocated Sh20 billion in 2024, adding another high-profile office could strain public coffers—contradicting Ruto’s Sh177 billion spending cut announced last July. “The focus seems to be on power-sharing rather than service delivery or economic recovery,” Naituli lamented, accusing leaders of prioritizing tribal alliances over national progress.

Since returning from Dubai after his African Union Commission chairmanship bid, Raila has enjoyed VIP treatment at public events alongside Ruto, with MPs and speakers like Moses Wetangula and Amason Kingi openly referring to him as “Prime Minister.”

At the Coast last week, he spoke after Kindiki but before Ruto, signaling his elevated status.

Raila’s Demands

Beyond securing a foothold in government, Raila has called for compensation for families of protesters killed in 2023 and 2024, condemned abductions of dissenters, and urged action on economic woes and the higher education funding crisis.

Whether these demands will be met as part of the deal remains unclear.

As Kenya awaits the finalization of this historic pact, the question looms: will Raila’s inclusion stabilize Ruto’s administration, or will it deepen public disillusionment with a political class seen as out of touch? Only time—and Parliament—will tell.