Can the UDA, ODM marriage secure Ruto a second term?

President William Ruto (left), and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (r) sign an MoU at KICC, Nairobi on Friday, February 7, 2025. [PCS]

The country’s political scene changed significantly last Friday as President William Ruto and de facto Leader of Opposition Raila Odinga signed a cooperation pact.

The deal, fashioned as a partnership between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), is seen as a boost to Ruto’s presidency after months of turmoil.

It came at a time when the President’s popularity had been dwindling due to unpopular policies like the new tax regime that sparked massive youth-led protests in June last year and left at least 60 people dead, according to human rights groups.