By Michelle Ndaga
Longtime political rivals President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have moved from confrontation to cooperation, culminating in the historic Karen joint parliamentary group (PG) meeting in August 2025. The session, co-chaired by both leaders, represents a significant political truce and a rare example of bipartisan collaboration in Kenya’s recent history.
2022 Election Aftermath
Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, rejected the results of the 2022 presidential election, citing alleged irregularities in the voting process. Despite his objections, the Supreme Court upheld Ruto’s victory, confirming him as Kenya’s fifth president. The dispute set the stage for heightened political tensions and polarized the nation along party lines.
2023 Mass Protests
In 2023, Raila spearheaded nationwide demonstrations against the Ruto administration, protesting the rising cost of living and alleged electoral injustices. While largely peaceful at the outset, some protests turned violent, with police crackdowns resulting in dozens of deaths and widespread property damage. The unrest highlighted generational frustrations and intensified calls for government accountability.
Dialogue and the NADCO Committee
Following months of unrest, both leaders agreed to structured dialogue mediated through Parliament, leading to the formation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) in 2024. The committee aimed to address systemic issues including electoral reforms, governance, and police accountability.
March 2024 MoU
In March 2024, Kenya Kwanza and Azimio signed a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focusing on electoral reforms, police oversight, and economic relief measures. However, mutual mistrust persisted, with Raila’s camp accusing Ruto of slow implementation and reluctance to fully honor the agreement.
Historic Karen Meeting
The August 2025 Karen PG meeting marked the first time Ruto and Raila formally co-chaired a parliamentary session. Observers note that the meeting reflects a strategic political reconciliation aimed at stabilizing governance and addressing pressing national issues through cooperation rather than confrontation. Analysts describe it as a milestone in Kenyan politics, potentially setting a precedent for bipartisan engagement in a highly polarized political landscape.
