Fri Mar 21 08:50:42 UTC 2025: ## Kenyan Rivals Strike Deal in Latest “Handshake” Power-Sharing Agreement
**Nairobi, Kenya** – Kenyan President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), marking the latest in a long history of power-sharing agreements, often criticized as self-serving deals among the political elite. The agreement, between Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), follows a pattern of ostensibly resolving national crises while ultimately enriching politicians and solidifying the existing power structure.
The “handshake” tradition, dating back to British colonial rule, has seen rivals unite to share power and resources, often at the expense of meaningful reform. Past instances, including the 2008 agreement that followed post-election violence, have simultaneously prevented widespread conflict while enabling corruption and hindering national progress. While touted as resolving national challenges – this time, allegedly preventing a coup and implementing the National Dialogue Committee’s report – critics argue the MoU primarily serves to consolidate the political establishment’s power.
The deal is particularly notable given Ruto’s previous rejection of a handshake with Odinga and the fact that Ruto himself was sidelined by a similar agreement in 2018. Odinga, a veteran opposition figure who has entered numerous power-sharing agreements with past presidents, has seen his credibility eroded by these repeated alliances.
However, the current political landscape differs significantly. A new generation, rejecting the established political gamesmanship, is emerging, signaling potential future challenges to the entrenched power structures. The long-term impact of this latest MoU remains uncertain, with its success hinging on whether it can genuinely address pressing national issues or will simply serve as another instance of elite self-preservation.
First Piper 