Moses Kuria, Raila Forge Unexpected Alliance for National Dialogue

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced his intention to collaborate closely with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

This unexpected alliance comes in the wake of Kuria’s exclusion from President William Ruto’s recently reconstituted Cabinet. The two politicians met at Odinga’s Capitol Hill office in Nairobi, with Odinga’s son, Raila Odinga Junior, also in attendance. Kuria, known for his outspoken political style, has taken to social media to share details of the meeting. He emphasizes the critical national issues that were discussed and expresses gratitude to Odinga for his willingness to work towards preventing national discord.

The focus of their talks centred on the pressing need for national dialogue and fundamental structural reforms. Both leaders agreed that the country’s challenges require more than superficial solutions. Kuria stresses the importance of moving beyond temporary fixes, stating that the upcoming process of national dialogue must result in deliberate structural reforms for lasting solutions. He expresses his commitment to working closely with Odinga and other like-minded leaders in this endeavour.

This political realignment follows Kuria’s public support for Odinga’s call to revisit the Bomas Draft, a constitutional proposal that was rejected nearly two decades ago. Kuria argues that since the rejection of the Bomas Draft, Kenya has experimented with various political arrangements, such as the Grand Coalition and the Handshake, without addressing fundamental issues. He has pledged his full support towards a National Constitutional conference aimed at reviving the Bomas Draft. The ODM leader has long been an advocate for national dialogue and constitutional reforms.

His recent engagement with President Ruto during anti-Finance Bill protests drew criticism from some quarters, but his influence remains significant. This is evidenced by the recent appointment of four ODM members to key Cabinet Secretary positions. The political landscape in Kenya continues to be characterized by shifting alliances and strategic partnerships. President Ruto’s call for a government of national unity aims to bring together leaders from diverse political backgrounds to address the country’s pressing issues. Odinga’s willingness to engage in dialogue with various political actors reflects his commitment to finding enduring solutions to national challenges.

The collaboration between Kuria and Odinga could potentially reshape Kenya’s political dynamics. Both leaders have historically advocated for structural reforms and addressing the root causes of national issues. The Bomas draft, initially proposed in 2005, aimed to address various governance issues and promote inclusivity. Its rejection led to a series of political experiments with mixed results.