Raila says UDA-ODM deal will ease prevailing political tensions

Raila Odinga says the cooperation agreement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aims to ease political tensions and realign national priorities to address challenges facing the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the ODM party leader said the deal seeks to promote national unity and tackle issues affecting Kenyans.

“Today, we have signed an MoU between ODM and UDA. The common goal of this agreement is to ease the prevailing tensions in the country, reconcile the population, alleviate their suffering, and move the country forward,” he said.

Odinga noted that the agreement prioritises youth unemployment which he described as a key concern that has fuelled disillusionment among young people.

“We have agreed to prioritize youth unemployment and the resulting hopelessness that has made them easy fodder in political contests,” he said.

“In this MoU, we commit to realigning Kenya’s economic, social, and political priorities to address the youth agenda, which has been neglected for 62 years since independence,” he added.

The former prime minister said the agreement marks a shift from political grandstanding to collective problem-solving.

“As leaders of the largest political parties in the country, we recognize that during times of great challenges, it is not enough to stand aside and criticise. They say any mad man can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one. We have agreed to build a barn for our country rather than merely tear down what exists,” Raila said.

He added that ODM and UDA will use their parties as a broad platform to bring together diverse voices and concerns raised by Kenyans.

Raila clarified that the MoU does not amount to a political coalition between the two parties but serves as a framework for national dialogue.

“We make it clear that this memorandum does not define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA. However, its successful implementation could lay the foundation for a broader, progressive formation for a stable country in the future,” he stated.

He urged Kenyans to support the agreement saying it presents an opportunity for inclusive governance that transcends political divisions.

“We call on all Kenyans who are interested in a stable, inclusive, and prosperous nation devoid of grandstanding and alienation of communities to rally behind this formation in the interest of the country,” he said.