Ruto Recalls How Raila Helped Him Save Kenya Despite Their Past Differences

President William Ruto reflected on his past political journey with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recalling both their unity and differences over the years.

Speaking during Raila’s State Funeral Service at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on October 17, Ruto said he once stood alongside Raila and other Pentagon members at a defining moment in the nation’s history, never imagining they would one day find themselves on opposing sides.

He noted that despite their political disagreements, Raila later supported him in efforts to stabilize the country and strengthen his leadership.

“When I stood by him with the other Pentagon members at a defining moment in our nation’s history, I never imagined that one day we would find ourselves on opposite sides,” Ruto recalled.

“Nor would I have thought that years later, he would stand by me — this time to steady the nation and help anchor my leadership, culminating in the birth of a broad-based government.”

Ruto-Raila Handshake

In March 2025, President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga put aside their political differences and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together.

The two leaders pointed out that Kenya holds great potential, but its progress has been held back by the shackles of ethnicity and state policies that exclude parts of the country from national development.

Pentagon Members

In 2005, Ruto joined Raila to form the Pentagon, which opposed the constitutional referendum under the “No” Movement.

The “Pentagon” was a political coalition formed under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2007 general elections.

It brought together five influential leaders from different regions — Raila Odinga, William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala, and the late Joe Nyagah — later joined by Charity Ngilu.

The group was designed to give ODM a national outlook by uniting key political figures representing diverse communities across Kenya.

Each member of the Pentagon played a strategic role in mobilizing support from their respective regions, helping ODM emerge as a formidable force in the 2007 elections.

William Ruto Pays Tribute to Raila

President William Ruto described Raila Odinga as a pioneer of Kenyan politics and a steadfast champion of democracy.

He added that Raila championed the reforms that Kenyans hold dear and that his vision helped shape the course of the country’s history.

Ruto described Raila as “a beacon of courage, a tower of principle, and a father of our democracy,” urging Kenyans to unite in honor of his legacy and reflect on his life’s enduring lessons.

Ruto hailed him as a once-in-a-generation leader — a giant in Kenya’s democratic landscape and a true statesman.

“For decades, Raila dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equity, and freedom. He endured detention and persecution so that this nation might know and enjoy democracy,” Ruto said.

“He championed reforms that gave birth to the rights and freedoms we hold dear. His voice spoke for the oppressed, his conviction inspired generations, and his vision shaped the course of our history.”