Raila defends Ruto pact, says imperfect Kenya better than no country

Former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga has once again defended his political union with President William Ruto.

Raila, speaking during a Parliamentary Group meeting of UDA, ODM Members of Parliament, and other parties allied to the government in Karen on Monday, August 18, 2025, stressed that it is better to have an imperfect, struggling country than to have none.

Raila reflects on Kenya’s past

Raila recalled the difficult political environment of 2024, saying the clouds that gathered then could have led to the end of Kenya as a nation.

“In 2024, we understood that the dark cloud that gathered around Kenya could have marked the end of Kenya.

“We decided that it is better to have an imperfect country that is struggling to mend its ways than to have a collapsed one,” Raila said.

He explained that the decision to work with President Ruto was driven by the need to create an environment where Kenyans can openly discuss national challenges without fear of division or collapse.

According to him, such dialogue is not always possible in other parts of the world.

Lessons from abroad

Raila shared his international experiences, noting that many countries hold their discussions abroad because they cannot address them at home.

“As you know and noted here, some countries cannot discuss issues at home.

“In my life, I have attended several meetings in London, Washington, Paris and others where countries discuss issues they cannot discuss at home. We came together to spare Kenya that shame,” he remarked.

His statement came as reassurance to critics who have questioned his political cooperation with Ruto, saying it was a betrayal of the opposition’s role.

Raila, however, insisted that dialogue and unity were necessary to preserve Kenya’s stability and integrity.

The ODM leader further urged lawmakers to use the opportunity of cooperation to address the country’s pressing challenges.

He emphasised that peace and dialogue must come before partisan interests if Kenya is to rebuild.

Raila’s remarks now add to the growing narrative of political leaders calling for stability, amid the broader push to strengthen the broad-based government arrangement championed by both Ruto and Raila