Ruto: Equal Partnership with ODM Key to Future Relations

President Ruto Emphasizes Equality and Mutual Benefit in ODM Partnership

President William Ruto has emphasized that his working relationship with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will be based on equality, mutual benefit, and trust. He highlighted that the partnership would be structured to ensure both parties gain from their collaboration.

“Our relationship with ODM is going to be a relationship of equals,” Ruto stated. He noted that the party is currently under the leadership of Oburu Odinga and reiterated his commitment to maintaining the partnership. “I did commit that we are going to be faithful to our relationship,” he added.

Ruto expressed confidence that the cooperation would result in a win-win outcome for both sides. He made these remarks during a visit to Siaya, where he also addressed the importance of youth in Kenya’s development.

Youth as Key to National Progress

According to the president, for far too long, the youth have been perceived as part of the country’s problems. However, he argued that skilled, talented, innovative, and energetic young people are actually the solution to the challenges facing Kenya.

“They are the assets that can turn Kenya into a first-world economy. It is on this basis that we have deliberately put in place measures to empower our youth and create gainful employment for them,” he said.

During his visit, Ruto opened the Siaya Community DigitalHub in Bondo, Siaya County, and addressed traders and residents of Bondo Town. The event underscored the government’s focus on digital infrastructure and economic opportunities for local communities.

Call for National Unity and Coalition

In January, President Ruto made a personal appeal for national unity, urging leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM to engage in negotiations to form the next government. He spoke directly to residents at Kisumu Kondele Roundabout and Kisumu Stage, asking if they supported talks between the two parties. The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting slogans in favor of the move.

“I want to make a personal appeal. Let us come together and have negotiations between ODM and UDA to form a coalition and build the next government. The two parties should talk and agree on how to move the country forward,” Ruto said.

He called for an end to tribalism, discrimination, and hatred, emphasizing that a coalition between the two parties would bring about unity and progress. Ruto stressed that leadership should be judged by development records rather than rhetoric, citing examples of opponents who lack tangible achievements.

Vision for Leadership and Development

Ruto described himself as a builder of governments, asserting that opponents lacking vision and development achievements will eventually exit the political scene. “My opponents have no plans, no vision, no agenda, and no development achievements. The people of Kisumu know this very well,” he added.

He confidently stated that on election day, his opponents would be defeated early. “They will go home early in the morning; they will have all been defeated,” he said.