Ruto refutes claims of forming coalition govt with Raila Odinga’s ODM party. PHOTO: William Ruto & Raila Odinga.
In Summary:
1) President Ruto refutes claims of forming a coalition government with Raila Odinga’s ODM party.
2) Ruto explains Cabinet selections and emphasizes collaboration on shared national priorities.
President William Ruto has addressed speculation about the formation of a coalition government with Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During a Town Hall meeting in Mombasa, Ruto provided insights into his government’s composition and its approach to collaboration with the opposition.
Ruto explained that his decision to dismiss the entire Cabinet was aimed at giving the country a fresh start.
He noted that some opposition members were nominated to his Cabinet to ensure broader national representation.
The President emphasized areas of policy agreement between Kenya Kwanza and ODM, such as the housing program and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“The housing program was in the manifesto of ODM and the manifesto of Kenya Kwanza. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program was also on both sides of the divide. So my question is, these things that we have no contest about, can we agree on those things and move the country forward?” Ruto stated.
The President firmly refuted claims of a formal coalition with ODM, saying, “We have no formal coalition arrangement. What we have is running an administration on matters that we have agreed with members of ODM so we can put the country first and address challenges that brought Kenya to where it is.”
Ruto emphasized that his administration’s focus is on Kenya’s transformation rather than political credit.
He dismissed concerns about compromising the opposition’s role, stressing that the government’s priority is addressing national challenges through areas of mutual agreement.
Presidential Town Hall, Mombasa County. https://t.co/OHoosoP5y0
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 28, 2024
This clarification comes amidst ongoing discussions about the nature of collaboration between the government and opposition in Kenya’s political landscape.