Mau Forest: Bitter dispute that shattered first Raila, Ruto alliance

President William Ruto lays a wreath at the grave of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, on October 19, 2025. [PCS]

After the disputed 2007 General Election—during which incumbent President Mwai Kibaki was hastily sworn in— and the establishment of the compromise Grand Coalition Government, the relationship between then Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Cabinet Minister William Ruto began to steadily deteriorate.

Once close allies, the two had forged a strong working relationship as early as 2005. Both men were highly opinionated and commanded near-cult-like followings, making them a formidable political force.