Ruto: I had reached out to Raila before broad-based government deal
President William Ruto revealed that he initiated outreach to Raila Odinga shortly after the 2022 election to foster national unity. This effort eventually led to the current broad-based government coalition.
Why it matters
The disclosure provides historical context to the current political power-sharing arrangement in Kenya, signaling a shift toward bipartisan governance.
President William Ruto and ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga preside over a Joint Broad-Based Coalition Parliamentary Group meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County on August 10, 2026/PCS President William Ruto has revealed that he reached out to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga immediately after the 2022 General Election, months before the formation of the broad-based government.
Ruto said his gesture to Raila, who had been his main opponent in the presidential election, was part of efforts to reduce political divisions and bring the country together.
Speaking during the broad-based government meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Ruto said the engagement was not initiated two years ago when the Kenya Kwanza administration and ODM formally began working together.
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