Kenyan government criticizes political conventions with major opposition parties

Nairobi, Kenya (AP) – Kenya’s ruling and the main opposition parties have signed an agreement that will involve both parties in what critics say is a critic who attempts to silence the opposition.

President William Ruto and principal opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the deal on Friday as their supporters marched in the capital Nairobi.

Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, said Friday’s contract was not a “new political formation” but an agreement that “helps build the country.”

Ruto, who leads the United Democratic Union, said leaders have been making “politically correct” decisions, not those that are beneficial to the Kenyan people. He always made “hard decisions” for the interests of other Kenyans, praising Odinga.

“So basically, is there no opposition in Kenya’s parliament?” political analyst Nanjala Nyabola posted on X.

Opposition wipers Democratic leader Kalonzo Musyoka wrote on X that Friday’s contract was “the biggest betrayal of Kenyans.”

This is Odinga’s fourth time – the five-time election loser – has signed an agreement with the ruling president.

Odinga and Ruto said their contract was not intended to distribute government positions between the two parties, but provided an advisory framework for issues affecting Kenyans.

Odinga said it would “help relieve tensions in our country” and the opposition realized that it was not enough to “stand on the sidelines to criticize.”

“We are committed to regular consultations on pressing issues,” Odinga said.

The Kenyan opposition has been criticized for being criticized when tax revenues increased in June 2024 and cracked down on young anti-government protesters.

In February, Odinga ran for Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Jibouti, a move that created uncertainty about Odinga’s political future.