Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s decision to  sign a pact with President William Ruto. 

While some marveled at the prospects of the new union finding solutions to the country’s teething problems, others claimed it spells doom for Kenyans and gives Ruto a nod to force through his unpopular policies. 

In Raila’s support bases of Nyanza and Western, some residents claimed the region is set to benefit from the new working union and praised Ruto for eating a humble pie and opting to work with the opposition. 

Unlike past political moves that attracted open celebrations in Raila’s key bases, yesterday’s declaration was lowkey in most towns as a handful of residents followed the events at the KICC in hotels and entertainment joints. 

Speaker of Homa Bay County Bunge la Wenye Nchi Walter Opiyo criticised the move, saying it is not meant to serve the interests of the general public. 

Opiyo said there are many problems that ought to have been considered instead of the truce. 

He cited issues like the high cost of living, the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA), housing levy and the university funding model which ought to have been addressed first. 

“Kenyans are overwhelmed by the high cost of living and taxation. The government should have solved those issues before coming up with the co-operation deal,” Opiyo said. 

He said the co-operation was only for the interest of the two leaders. 

“The truce is meant for the interest of the President and Hon Odinga. The co-operation lacks public interest,” Opiyo added. 

Francis Ouma, a resident of Kisumu also criticized the move and claimed it was not for the interest of Kenyans but for the political survival of the two leaders. 

“Ruto is looking for ways to regain people’s trust while Raila, on the other hand, has nothing to lose. He needs something to keep him busy,” said Ouma. 

The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Hesborn Omollo supported the truce 

Speaking when he met the business community in Kendu Bay Town, Omollo said the move will unite the country. 

“The co-operation between President Ruto and Odinga is a sign of unity. It will unite citizens of this country,” Omollo said. 

Omollo said they had yearned for unity for a long time. 

“We have been yearning for this truce and it has occurred. Let Kenyans support it so that we can move together as a country,” he said. 

In Western, residents said the political pact will open development opportunities for the country and will enable the president and his regime to correct some of the wrongs of his administration. 

John Atika, a Kakamega resident, applauded the formal working relationship between Ruto and Raila, urging the two to address and fix issues around the Social Health Authority (SHA).
 
“We want issues affecting the health sector to be addressed now that the two leaders will have a majority in the parliament, and this should make it easier for the government to pass policies that benefit the majority, not the few,” said Atika.
 
Becky Ingado, a resident of Vihiga County, said the pact will bring a good working environment, urging the two leaders to improve the economy and create jobs for Kenyans.
 
“To be sincere majority of Kenyans are suffering and they have no money in their pockets, the economy is in bad state and now that this pact is going to bring political stability, we want to see job creations and employment of youths who are the majority and corruption should be fought to the latter,” said Ingado. 

In Busia County, Kizito Omondi, a resident, welcomed the agreement, saying, “This cooperation could bring much-needed stability to the country. We’ve endured too many years of protests and uncertainty. It’s time for our leaders to focus on the welfare of Kenyans.” Omondi’s views are shared by others in the area who hope the partnership will reduce tensions and create a more peaceful political environment.
 
Mayoni Ward MCA Fredrick Watitwa welcomed the move, saying that the two leaders had prioritized the nation’s well-being by setting aside their personal interests to achieve peace and prosperity.
 
“The move by Ruto and Raila is a bold step towards putting the nation’s well-being first. By setting aside their personal interests, they have shown true leadership in striving for peace and prosperity,” said Mayoni Ward MCA, Fredrick Watitwa.
 
However, not all residents share this optimism. Julius Ochieng, a local businessman, voiced concerns over the diminished role of the opposition, fearing that it could weaken the checks on government power.
 
 “The government needs criticism to stay accountable. If Raila joins forces with Ruto, who will be left to challenge their decisions?” Ochieng questioned.
 
He also said that there are also doubts about the lasting impact of the agreement. 
 
Mary Atieno, a community leader, expressed skepticism, saying that political deals often fail to address real issues facing Kenyans in the country.
 
“We have seen similar deals in the past that didn’t lead to real change. I’m not sure this time will be any different,” she said. 

Meanwhile, a section of leaders have praised the pact and described it as a game-changer for the country. 

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the country needs unity of purpose to succeed and praised the two leaders for taking a step to unite the country. 

“Both president Ruto and Raila will go down in history as a rare breed of statesmen who in spite of all propaganda have weathered the storm and are now able to come together,” said Wandayi.
 
Speaking to the Standard, Likuyani Member of Parliament (MP) Innocent Mugabe welcomed the move from the two leaders and urged them to ensure that each community across the country benefits from national resources regardless of their voting pattern.
 
“I thank the President and my party leader and I am happy with their commitment on ensuring we have equal share in terms of developments because for long time many regions like Western, Nyanza and other minority communities have been disadvantaged in terms of development and yet they pay taxes just like other people and we are hopeful this arrangement is going to address these imbalances,” said Mugabe.
 
Mugabe said that since the formation of the broad-based government, regions that had been sidelined in terms of development have started witnessing developments.
 
The ODM lawmaker also urged the two leaders to address the issue of unemployment, especially among the youth.
 
“I am happy that the two leaders have mentioned creating employment among youths, and we want the government to focus more on empowering youth in TVETs and other tertiary institutions for our youths to be aligned with the market demand. We need equity in funding students away from what is happening with the university funding model,” said Mugabe.

Report by Bernard Lusigi, Mary Imenza, James Omoro and Olivia Odhiambo