Ruto Says Working With Raila is God-Sent

President William Ruto has described his political alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga as divinely ordained, emphasizing that their broad-based government arrangement transcends personal political ambitions.

Speaking to a delegation from Kisumu County at State House on Wednesday, Ruto sought to reinforce the partnership that has faced mounting pressure from within ODM ranks over recent security concerns.

“The broad-based government is neither a creation of Baba nor myself. It is God-sent,” Ruto told the delegation led by Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o.

President Ruto with Luo political leaders after a meeting at the State House, Nairobi.

“I say that because it is what is necessary for us to have the political goodwill to be able to push the development agenda of our nation.”

The President’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the coalition, as some ODM politicians have called for withdrawing from the arrangement following recent incidents of alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings. The partnership has been particularly strained after the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody, which prompted ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna to declare the memorandum of understanding between the parties effectively void.

Despite these challenges, Ruto remained adamant about the government’s inclusive approach. “No Kenyan, region, community or religion is going to be left behind. We are going to move together,” he assured the Kisumu delegation, which included local MPs, county assembly members, professionals, and elders.

The President highlighted concrete benefits of the political cooperation, particularly for the Lake Victoria region.

He pointed to the development of blue economy resources and the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre, which is expected to produce between 25 million and 30 million fingerlings annually.

“Our development of blue economy resources is bearing fruit and improving the incomes of fisherfolk not only in Kisumu, but across the Lake Victoria region,” Ruto said, emphasizing that inclusive development was powering the country’s progress across all sectors.

The timing of Ruto’s appeal appears strategic, as the broad-based government faces its most serious test since its formation.

The President’s invocation of divine intervention suggests recognition of the political delicacy surrounding the partnership, particularly as public pressure mounts over security operations targeting protesters.

The alliance between Ruto and Raila, once bitter political rivals, has been seen as crucial for national stability and development.

However, recent events have exposed the fragility of the arrangement, with some ODM members questioning whether the partnership can survive ongoing controversies over human rights concerns.