Inside the Ruto-Raila 10-point agenda

The agreement, which comes after years of political rivalry, seeks to implement the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, including the creation of the Office of the Official Opposition Leader and the reinstatement of the Prime Minister’s position.

The pact, described as a blend of constitutional amendments and the enforcement of existing provisions, marks a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.

President Ruto and Odinga, who have oscillated between alliance and animosity over the years, have now committed to putting their differences aside to address pressing national issues.

At the core of the agreement is the implementation of the NADCO report, which had previously been shelved despite its far-reaching recommendations. The report advocates for inclusivity, good governance, and the protection of devolution, among other reforms.

The pact emphasizes the need to promote inclusivity, a principle enshrined in Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination. Despite its inclusion in the 2010 Constitution, inclusivity has been inconsistently applied, leaving marginalized groups underserved.

The agreement also addresses the financial challenges faced by county governments, which have long accused the national government of stifling their autonomy. Article 17 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of devolution, including equitable resource allocation and service delivery. However, devolved units have struggled with inadequate funding, hindering their effectiveness.

Integrity, a cornerstone of Chapter 6 of the Constitution, has been a persistent issue in Kenya’s political class. The pact commits to strengthening accountability mechanisms to combat corruption and ensure ethical leadership.

The right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition, as guaranteed under Article 37, has often been curtailed by security agencies. The agreement seeks to safeguard this right, which has been a contentious issue, particularly during protests against government policies. Kenya’s growing public debt and burdensome taxation regime have also sparked widespread public discontent.

The pact aims to address these issues by promoting transparency in public finance management, as outlined in Chapter 12 of the Constitution. The pilferage of public resources at both national and county levels remains a significant challenge, and the agreement reaffirms the commitment to combat corruption through robust legislation and enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

The pact comes against the backdrop of widespread protests by Kenya’s youth in 2024, who expressed frustration over unemployment, underemployment, and marginalization.

The demonstrations highlighted the failure of successive administrations to address systemic issues and uphold constitutional principles. Adherence to the rule of law and constitutionalism has been inconsistent since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. T

he Ruto administration has faced criticism for its attacks on the Judiciary over rulings against its programs. The pact seeks to restore confidence in constitutional guardrails, though its success remains uncertain in a politically charged environment.

Legal expert Steve Ogolla welcomed the pact but cautioned that its success hinges on genuine commitment from both leaders. "The promotion of inclusivity and adherence to the rule of law are critical, but these principles must be more than just words on paper.

They require actionable steps and political will," Ogolla stated. The Ruto-Odinga pact represents a significant step toward political reconciliation and governance reform.

However, its implementation will be closely watched, as past agreements have often faltered due to a lack of follow-through. For now, the 10-point agenda offers a glimmer of hope for a more inclusive and accountable Kenya.