ODM
supporters have gathered outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre
(KICC) ahead of the President William Ruto - Raila Odinga announcement.
Several women in orange colored vitenges, marched outside the building as they
chanted songs of victory.
The Star established
that the two leaders are set to sign a coalition agreement.
The
leaders are set to sign the coalition agreement at KICC.
The
political union is expected to immediately trigger political realignments, with
the friendly fire between a section of opposition bigwigs and Raila expected to
end.
Sources said Raila will control 50 per cent
of government and is expected to nominate at least three more Cabinet
Secretaries.
“The President knows that Raila is a
nationalist. His appointments will reflect the face of Kenya,” a source said, adding
that the new agreement is akin to the National Accord of 2008 when Raila and former
President Mwai Kibaki shared government.
Other positions to be shared equally include
principal secretaries, parastatal and ambassadorial jobs.
On Friday
morning, the two leaders chaired separate meetings with their allied leaders,
to brief them on the agreement.
Ruto
presided over a Parliamentary Group meeting, to defend the cooperation
agreement and reassure his MPs amid reports of expected government changes to
accommodate ODM.
In a tweet on X, Ruto said Kenya and the people must succeed.
"This is the time to put Kenya and the people ahead of any other consideration. We will work together, our political inclinations notwithstanding, to take our country forward," he said.
As part of the deal, Kenya Kwanza has already ceded several parliamentary committee leadership positions to ODM, and Raila is expected to nominate more allies to the cabinet.
Meanwhile, Raila is chairing the meeting
at a Nairobi hotel, where key party stalwarts are being briefed on the agreement
with Ruto.
It comprises top ODM officials,
including the Chairperson, Secretary-General, Deputy Party Leaders, National
Treasurer, and Executive Director.
