On Friday, March 7, President William Ruto and former prime minister Raila Odinga signed a Joint Framework to work together, which he said is meant for the people of Kenya.
The historic event took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), saw the two political rivals putting their differences aside, and forming a union into a closure after days of speculation.
The Joint Framework is a memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM ). The event was attended by leaders from both political parties leadership.
Speaking during the signing, Ruto said they have been working together, even after the loss of African Union Chairperson (AUC) in February at Addis Ababa, under the Broad-Based government, to deal with issues that are affecting Kenyans.
“We have been working together in the Broad-Based arrangement that we have, that is inspired is not by what is in for him or me, but by how we can close ranks and deal with the issues that affect the people of Kenya, and that brings us to this moment,” Ruto stated.
In a statement by Raila, he acknowledged that it was between the two parties, and is meant to ease the political tensions currently in the country, and reunite the country.
“Today, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Orange Democratic Movement and United Democratic Alliance. The cardinal goal of the MoU is to help ease the prevailing tensions in the country, reconcile the population and addressing all issues from economic, social that Kenyans are grappling with,” Raila stated.
While addressing the leaders, Ruto commended the move by ODM to work with UDA, as a self-less and courageous decision to stand with the people of Kenya.
“I must congratulate the Honourable Raila Odinga, and the ODM party for their boldness and courage to take the position for Kenya and for the people of Kenya, that is a very courageous decision even though it might not be the popular decision, it is the right decagon to stand with the people of Kenya,” Ruto added.
“This is the time to put Kenya and the people ahead of any consideration. We will work together, our political inclinations not with standing, to take our country forward. Kenya and the people must succeed,” he stated.
The president pledged to fully implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report under the MoU, prioritizing cost of living, youth and unemployment and establishing a framework for the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule.
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