The political landscape in Kenya faces a potential shake-up as the countdown begins for the expiration of the high-profile cooperation agreement between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the late Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Appearing in an interview on K24 TV, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna confirmed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will officially lapse on March 7, 2026. He dismissed any talk of an extension, noting that the agreement, signed exactly one year ago, contains no legal provision to continue past its fixed term.
“Go to Bondo”: Sifuna Sets Firm Conditions
Sifuna clarified that the authority to alter the deal rests solely with the late ODM party leader. He argued that the absence of an extension clause was a deliberate strategic choice by Raila Odinga.
“Anybody who wants to extend this MoU, I have said it before, you must go to Bondo and get Baba’s signature,” he said.
The Secretary General maintained that no other party official possesses the mandate to prolong the pact. He suggested that the structure of the deal reflects a specific vision for a time-bound partnership.
“No other signature can be appended to extend this MoU because Baba, in his wisdom, did not ask for a provision for extension of the MoU. Why didn’t he insist that we must provide for extension?”
Fixing the “Software Problems” of Governance
According to Sifuna, both parties intended the pact to address urgent governance issues within a strictly defined window. He described the mission as an effort to resolve “software problems” within the Kenyan state before both sides return to their respective political corners to prepare for the next general election.
The 10-point agenda at the heart of the UDA-ODM framework includes:
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The protection and strengthening of devolution.
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Safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of citizens.
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Ending the abductions and killings of young people.
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Implementing structured national dialogue and governance reforms.
The agreement currently serves as the backbone for the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. As the March 7 deadline nears, the committee must either show full implementation of these reforms or submit a final status report.
Bipartisan Committee Races Against the Clock
Despite the looming expiration, the committee overseeing the bipartisan agenda insists it remains on schedule. Committee Chairperson Agnes Zani recently assured the public that the team would deliver a comprehensive report by the anniversary date.
Zani urged Kenyans to maintain faith in the process, stating that the committee has gained a deep understanding of the core issues citizens want resolved.
