Kenyan President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing agreement on Friday.
Speaking at the signing event in Nairobi, Odinga emphasized that the deal was necessary “to ease the prevailing tensions in the country, reconcile the population.” While the two leaders did not disclose specifics about how they would share power, they promised a bipartisan report recommending the creation of a prime minister’s position.
Ruto, who has faced mounting public discontent, stated that the agreement is meant “to bring Kenyans together so that we can deal with our challenges.” Among his top priorities, he listed job creation for the youth, lowering the cost of living, and combating corruption.
Odinga, a veteran opposition figure who has lost five presidential bids, returned to domestic politics after failing to secure the African Union Commission chairmanship last month. His cooperation with Ruto marks a shift in Kenya’s political landscape, with the president already appointing five Odinga allies to ministerial positions under a unity government framework.