Raila Odinga, leader of ODM, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UDA leader President William Ruto, aiming to address Kenya’s socio-economic challenges. The MoU does not establish a political coalition but sets a foundation for potential future cooperation. Key focus areas include tackling youth unemployment and enhancing devolution, with the leaders calling for national unity and cooperation.
In Nairobi, ODM leader Raila Odinga announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), clarifying that it does not constitute a coalition. He expressed optimism that this agreement could lead to discussions regarding a potential merger aimed at addressing Kenya’s political, social, and economic issues.
Odinga emphasized the MoU’s primary goal: to alleviate the tensions present in Kenya and to enhance the well-being of the populace by confronting the pressing challenges they face. “The key goal of the MoU is to help ease the prevailing tensions in the country and to move the country forward by addressing the critical social, political, and economic issues our people are grappling with today,” he stated.
Both parties recognized the importance of unity over political rivalry, with Odinga asserting the necessity of collaboration. He quoted, “They say any madman can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one.” Odinga affirmed their commitment to foster national stability and to create an inclusive dialogue.
A significant focus of the MoU is on youth unemployment, a concern which Odinga highlighted as a root cause of frustration among young Kenyans. He stated, “A core problem we agreed to prioritize is youth unemployment and the resulting hopelessness that has made them easy fodder in political contests.”
Additionally, Odinga announced plans to strengthen devolution as a tool for equitable development, proposing that counties receive a minimum of Sh450 billion in the 2025-2026 financial year. He underlined, “We commit to protect and to strengthen devolution as machinery for ensuring more inclusive development across the country.”
The leaders also vowed to uphold the Constitution and promote human rights while tackling issues such as corruption and poverty. The MoU, while not formalizing a coalition, aims to create a foundation for future collaborations that could lead to a broader political alliance.
Odinga invited all Kenyans to support this initiative, advocating for unity and the exclusion of political grandstanding. He asserted, “We urge all Kenyans who are interested in having a stable, inclusive, and progressive country to rally behind this formation.”
Signed by President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, the MoU is anticipated to usher in a new era of political cooperation geared towards national unity and economic advancement.
The memorandum signed between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto signifies a pivotal step towards addressing Kenya’s critical political, economic, and social concerns. While not forming a political coalition, it may facilitate future alliances aimed at fostering inclusivity and stability. The commitment to revive youth engagement, enhance devolution, and uphold constitutional values underscores the seriousness of this initiative. Ultimately, this collaboration encourages all Kenyans to contribute towards a united and progressive nation.
Original Source: allafrica.com
