Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Kiambu—an event heavily attended by Kenya Kwanza leaders—Ruto said the discussions were part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the country’s political climate following weeks of heightened tension.
According to the President, Oburu, who is Raila Odinga’s elder brother and a key figure in ODM’s top leadership, reportedly outlined which ministries the party believed it should occupy should the unity government framework take shape.
Ruto’s remarks come barely a day after reports emerged showing intensified back-channel negotiations between State House and Azimio leaders, especially after last week’s bipartisan forum highlighted the need for “inclusive governance” and shared national priorities.
Ruto told the congregation that Kenya could no longer afford “winner-takes-all politics,” insisting he was ready to accommodate the opposition in structured governance if it would ease political temperatures and help address economic challenges.
He, however, emphasized that any power-sharing would be “issue-based” and not a secret handshake.
The revelation has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. ODM officials close to Raila have acknowledged that consultations were ongoing but dismissed claims that the party was bargaining for positions.
They argued that ODM was pushing for systemic reforms—not cabinet seats—and accused the President of trying to create a narrative that paints the party as desperate for power.
Analysts say today’s disclosure aligns with growing signs that both sides are warming up to a limited partnership, especially as the country grapples with rising living costs, the recently tabled budget proposals, and regional security concerns—including Uganda’s escalating rhetoric over maritime boundaries.
As the debate grows, Kenyans now wait to see whether the talks will mature into a formal broad-based government or collapse under political mistrust that has defined previous attempts at coalition governance.
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