Kenya: Ruto and Odinga Forge New Political Understanding
The Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA, signed by Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, is not a coalition but rather aims to address key political, social, and economic challenges in Kenya. The agreement prioritizes youth unemployment and emphasizes the need for unity, constitutional integrity, and equitable development.
On recently marked occasion, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is not a coalition. Odinga expressed that while this agreement may facilitate future discussions regarding a merger, its primary purpose is to confront the pressing political, social, and economic challenges that Kenya faces today.
Odinga articulated the objectives of the MoU, stating, “Today, you have signed a memorandum of understanding between the Orange Democratic Movement and the United Democratic Alliance. The key goal of the MoU is to help ease the prevailing tensions in the country, console the population, alleviate their suffering, and move the country forward.”
He emphasized the responsibility of leaders from major parties to work together for a stable nation rather than descending into further political conflict. “They say any madman can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one. We have agreed to help build a barn for our country, rather than merely kick down what we have,” he remarked.
The ODM and UDA leaders plan to utilize their influence to create a diverse and inclusive platform to tackle critical issues. Odinga stated, “We’ve agreed to use our parties as a broad platform, bringing together various voices, opinions, and concerns to address the critical challenges facing the country.”
Key issues prioritized by the MoU include youth unemployment, which Odinga identified as a catalyst for frustration among young citizens. He noted, “A core problem we agreed to prioritize is youth unemployment and the resulting hopelessness that has made them easy fodder in political contests.”
Furthermore, the agreement commits both parties to uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and human rights while fighting against corruption, poverty, and inequality. Odinga asserted the importance of strengthening devolution to ensure equitable development, proposing at least Sh450 billion be allocated to counties in the upcoming fiscal year.
The recent signing of the MoU between the ODM and UDA symbolizes a step towards collaborative governance amid Kenya’s political landscape. Although the MoU does not establish a formal coalition, it sets the stage for potential collaborations aimed at addressing critical national issues, particularly youth unemployment and equitable development. Odinga’s emphasis on unity suggests a proactive political approach to resolving the country’s challenges, encouraging widespread public support for the initiative.
Original Source: allafrica.com
