'Your place in history is engraved': Ruto praises Raila as broad-based gov't deal takes shape

President William Ruto has heaped praise on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, hailing him as a patriotic Kenyan whose legacy and contributions have played a vital role in shaping the country's governance. 

Speaking on Friday during the burial of Dr. Phoebe Asiyo at Wikondiek in Homa Bay County, the President referenced how his alliance with Raila to form the broad-based regime will ultimately transform the nation.

He highlighted that the working arrangement is finally taking shape, following earlier concerns from critics who had questioned delays in implementing the 10-point agenda agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on March 7, 2025.

Among the key developments he pointed to is the appointment of a five-member committee to oversee the rollout of the broad-based government's ten-point agenda.

The committee includes social commentator and newspaper columnist Gabriel Oguda, former Nominated Senator Agnes Zani, Kevin Kiarie, Fatuma Ibrahim, and political communication strategist Javas Bigambo.

The team will be responsible for driving key national priorities, including strengthening devolution, promoting youth empowerment, upholding integrity in leadership, enhancing inclusivity, and safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly. 

Further, the committee will focus on addressing the national debt, fighting corruption, curbing wastage of public resources, and promoting the sovereignty of the people alongside the rule of law.

"Baba ameongea as a patriot, Kenyan committed to the progress and success of Kenya. Your place in the history, progress, governance, and destiny of our nation is firmly engraved. Your contribution, sacrifice, and mentorship of many leaders is something of pride to those of us who have worked under you in our earlier political journey," Ruto explained. 

"Because of your commitment to this country, you've assisted me to put together, the broad-based government, which brings all communities and regions together in an inclusive manner into one administration that doesn't seek to preserve any leader but to preserve the destiny and stability of Kenya."

He also announced a new government framework to compensate those who suffered injuries or lost their lives during demonstrations since 2017, a plan that he said was feasible through the broad-based regime. 

According to the Head of State, the political arrangement represents a historic opportunity for Kenya.

"Because of the broad-based government, because of Raila working with me to put together the broad-based government, Kenya has a date with destiny, historic opportunity to elevate this country to the next level," he noted. 

From bitter foes to great allies, Raila and Ruto's alliance has elicited praise and criticism in equal measure.

Despite President Ruto's stance that the working arrangement was necessary to unite the country, critics argued that the strategy could weaken ODM’s political standing ahead of the 2027 polls.