- Ruto spoke while visiting Migori County.
- He said ODM should strengthen itself internally.
- The President praised Raila Odinga’s role in his political journey.
- His remarks come amid claims he is weakening ODM.
President William Ruto has openly hinted that the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) could one day work together with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), if conditions are right.
Speaking in Migori County on Wednesday, December 17, Ruto said ODM must first organise itself and strengthen its leadership structures. According to him, only a strong party can engage meaningfully with UDA on national leadership matters.
Ruto explained that his desire is not to weaken the opposition, but to see both sides prepared before any talks can happen.
“You have to plan and strengthen ODM. We want a strong ODM so that we can plan together the leadership of this country. When you make ODM strong, I will also make UDA strong, and then we can agree on how to form the government,” he said.
In a rare moment of reflection, the President acknowledged ODM leader Raila Odinga for shaping his political journey. Ruto reminded the crowd that he once belonged to ODM and learned politics under Raila’s leadership.
“I was an ODM member, but God had other plans. Raila was our teacher in politics. I was the best student in his class, and he played a big role in my journey to becoming president,” Ruto stated.
Ruto also used the platform to invite leaders from across the political divide to work with him for the good of the country. He said national unity remains key to moving Kenya forward.
“I want to ask our friends on the other side to join us as we move the nation forward,” he added.
The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of accusations that he is secretly working to weaken ODM ahead of the next general election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently claimed that Ruto had intentions of destabilising the Orange party from within.
“Ruto has destroyed ODM, and it is very sad. He once told me he would finish ODM while I was still his deputy,” Gachagua alleged.
Despite the claims, Ruto’s latest comments paint a different picture, suggesting cooperation rather than confrontation could define Kenya’s political future.
