Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has strongly criticized the 2018 handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, arguing that President William Ruto’s recent pact with Raila is more legitimate and impactful.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 12, Cherargei, a staunch Ruto ally, dismissed the previous Uhuru-Raila deal as ineffective, claiming that the new agreement is yielding tangible results, including the appointment of Raila’s allies to key government positions.
He pointed out that the ongoing restructuring in Parliament, which has seen members of Raila’s Azimio coalition secure leadership roles in influential committees, further proves the legitimacy of this new political collaboration.
“The 2025 handshake between Ruto and Raila is a genuine partnership, unlike the 2018 deal with Uhuru. This is evident from the election of parliamentary committee chairpersons, the upcoming cabinet reshuffle, and senior government appointments,” Cherargei stated.
His remarks come after Ruto and Raila formalized their agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting the stage for political cooperation between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The deal, unveiled at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), was witnessed by high-ranking political figures from both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio. Key issues addressed in the MoU include implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, tackling youth unemployment, and enforcing the two-thirds gender rule.
A major highlight of the agreement is the proposal to create the Office of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Official Opposition. While the prime minister will be nominated by the president and approved by Parliament, speculation is rife that Raila may take up the role.
Unlike Raila’s previous alliance with Uhuru, which failed to secure government appointments for his allies, this new deal appears to grant him substantial influence within Ruto’s administration. The controversial Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which sought to amend the constitution and introduce new executive positions, was a key outcome of the 2018 handshake but was ultimately struck down by the courts.
Cherargei welcomed the latest political development, insisting that Kenya is now on a more stable and united path under the joint leadership of Ruto and Raila.
