Political Speculation Grows as Raila and Ruto Share State Functions.
For the second consecutive day, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was seen attending a state function with President William Ruto. A day after participating in a state banquet honoring the visiting Dutch Royals, Odinga’s presence signaled his growing influence in government following the memorandum of understanding signed with Ruto two weeks prior. During the award of a charter to Riara University at State House Nairobi, Odinga was seated next to the president, while Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was notably absent.
A Key Government Player
Observers noted that Odinga’s presence and active engagement with Ruto suggested a shift in his role, elevating him to a co-principal status. Political analysts described him as being virtually a co-president, frequently consulting with Ruto as his influence in the broad-based administration strengthened. They pointed out that Odinga had a unique ability to make governance difficult for winners of elections, forcing them to seek his cooperation to stabilize political temperatures or push forward key agendas.
Strategic Positioning
On Tuesday evening, Ruto had introduced Odinga to visiting Dutch royalty, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, at the state banquet. Odinga was seated next to Deputy President Gachagua in a position that could have otherwise been occupied by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, who instead sat on the opposite side. Analysts remarked that Odinga possessed a rare political magic that continuously positioned him as an essential figure in governance, regardless of whether he held an official position.
Shifting Political Dynamics
Since signing the cooperation pact at KICC two weeks earlier, Odinga had adopted a formal dress code for high-profile meetings at his Capital Hill office. The office had become a new center of power, attracting key government figures and diplomats, including British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan and US Embassy diplomat Marc Dillard. A senior government figure acknowledged Odinga’s contributions to the nation and expressed that his experience and influence commanded respect.
Government Restructuring Expected
With the realignment of parliamentary committees already favoring Odinga’s allies, discussions suggested that the next step would involve a cabinet reshuffle to further accommodate his associates. This restructuring was expected to extend to ambassadorial appointments, solidifying his faction’s position within government. Analysts noted that while Odinga personally might not actively pursue the presidency, those around him, driven by power and political ambition, often pressured him to remain at the center of decision-making.
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Possible Prime Minister Role
Despite legal challenges, the creation of a prime minister’s post through the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report was anticipated, potentially securing Odinga a formal office. His security detail had already been enhanced despite holding no official position in government. Many compared his current political rise to his role in the Kenyatta administration following the March 2018 handshake, highlighting his continued ability to influence the country’s political landscape.
Political Speculation Grows as Raila and Ruto Share State Functions.
