By Anderson Ojwang
Twelve years later, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s prophecy about the then-Agriculture Minister and running mate of TNA presidential candidate, Dr William Ruto has finally come to pass.
After a fallout between the former ODM luminaries Raila and Ruto, the two took separate political routes despite attempts by various elders, friends and political interests to reconcile them went nought.
The fallout witnessed Raila lose the Rift Valley support that catapulted his 2007 presidential bid and later resulted in the coalition government with President late Mwai Kibaki.
In the heat of the campaigns, in Kericho county ahead of the 2013 presidential election, Raila told the crowd that “Ruto will need him to win the presidency of the country in future”.
He again repeated the same in 2018 in Kipkelion East, during a burial by saying, Ruto a former ally turned foe should reach out to him because it was the only way he would be guaranteed of ascending to the country’s top seat come 2022 general election.
Raila then told Ruto that politicians from Mt Kenya were already scheming against him.
The prophesy has come to pass but in a different context and content because, in the 2022 presidential election, Raila was fronted by then-President Uhuru Kenyatta while Ruto secured the support of former personal assistant to Uhuru, Rigathi Cachagua, who became his running mate and eventually deputy president.
Ironically and interestingly, President Ruto and his team accused his deputy of undermining him and Rigathi was eventually impeached and currently a leading member of the opposition.
During last year’s demonstration by the Gen Zees over the Finance Bill that nearly paralyzed the government and shook President Ruto’s administration to the core, Raila came to his rescue to thaw the rebellion.
This subsequently, resulted in the formation of a broad-based government that culminated in the appointments of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) top leadership into the cabinet.
And today, the prophecy came to pass after Ruto and Raila signed a memorandum of understanding, which is framework for the engagement of the two leading parties namely ODM and UDA.
During the signing of the MOU Raila said “When I came back, I went to meet with the President in Mombasa to thank him for the support the government had given me during my campaigns.
He was very gracious. At that time, I found out the two teams from the two parties had worked out some documents that they wanted to be signed.
I told him, I could not sign the documents until, I have consulted my people. So, I took time from that time, went to Kisumu, met prof Anyang Nyong’o, elders and later went to Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Coast and Wajir and Nairobi and Narok.
I managed the get the feelings of my supporters and that is the reason why we have the conference to sign this document. Today, we have signed MOU between ODM and UDA.
Clarion call is to reduce tension in the country reconcile the nation and move the country forward. As leaders, of the largest political parties in the country, we arrived at the understanding that in a time of significant changes, to our nation, it is not enough to stand aside and criticize, easy as it may be . We have agreed to use our parties as a platform to bring together various voices opinions and concerns to address critical challenges facing the country through the formation of that truly national and inclusive outlook.
The MOU doesn’t define the formation of a political coalition between ODM and UDA, however, its successful implementation could inform the basis of steps to constitute formation for a stable country in the future,’’ he said.
Ruto in return recognized Raila’s contribution to the nation and said he would be forever beholden to the former Prime Minister.
“It was very clear to me that my support for Raila Odinga for AUC seat was not meant for him to surrender his political support base for me.
I said then and again today, he was a great candidate and ran a beautiful campaign. I am proud of him
When he came back, we have been working together on the broad-based arrangements that we have, that is not inspired by what is in it for him or me but how we can close ranks and deal with the issues affecting the people of Kenya
This brings us to this moment and I must congratulate Raila and the ODM party for their boldness and courage to take the position for Kenya and for the people of Kenya.
That is a very bold and courageous decision. It may not be a popular decision but that doesn’t undermine the fact that it is the right decision to stand with the people of Kenya.
The realizations have enabled Kenya’s largest political movements to engage constructively, recognizing the unique opportunity before us.
We must rise above political differences and embrace a higher vision of the Kenya we all deserve.
This moment is not about William Ruto or Raila Odinga, this agreement is not about sharing positions and winning elections, it is about the people and the interest of Kenya. That is what is significant to me.
It is now time to close ranks as leaders because this nation can succeed, we have what it takes to be a great nation. But we haven’t made the steps and decisions that would make the country to be great.
We have been always making politically correct decisions; we need to make decimos thar are correct as far as the interest of the nation is concerned.
I congratulate Raila, for the courage he has to make difficult decisions. Not many leaders can make the kind of decisions Raila have made. I know the kind of difficulty Raila has gone through in taking us to this position.
My brother, Raila history is going to judge you fairly for what you have done for this nation.
Immediately after the elections, I called Raila, I told him, you have been my party leader and my senior. Today, by God’s grace I am president. I want you to be treated well and I will do whatever it takes to make sure, that you have respect in Kenya.” Nyong’o said.
