In a dramatic show of bipartisan statesmanship, Azimio leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga has thrown his weight behind President William Ruto’s controversial Housing Levy, calling for its expansion to fund the construction of markets and social amenities in urban centers — a move he says is the only sustainable solution to curbing the mushrooming of slums across Kenya.
“I support the use of the Housing Levy to build markets and public infrastructure,” Raila declared on Thursday, adding, “That’s how we reclaim our cities from chaos and plan for the dignity of our people.”
The former Prime Minister made the bold remarks while addressing the Third National Executive Retreat and Midterm Review at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Kajiado County — a gathering graced by President Ruto, his full cabinet, and key state technocrats. This marks Raila’s first attendance at such a retreat since the historic ODM-UDA MOU, which set the foundation for cross-party collaboration in public service delivery.
But it was Raila’s blunt admission of disappointment over the cancelled Adani-JKIA deal that raised eyebrows.
“I was very disappointed when the Adani-JKIA deal was cancelled,” he said. “We missed the opportunity to become the Dubai of Africa.”
His reference to the controversial airport concession agreement — previously halted after public uproar and union protests — signals a significant shift in his development posture, aligning with the President’s pro-investment, infrastructure-driven economic model.
In a deeply reflective tone, Raila reminded the nation of the bigger picture beyond political rivalries.
“No matter our disagreements, our visions or disappointments, we have to have a country first… An imperfect nation striving to become a more perfect union is far better than one that collapses under the weight of its divisions.”
The surprise appearance and conciliatory tone of Kenya’s most storied opposition leader sent a powerful signal of political maturity and national cohesion, just months after ODM and UDA inked their cooperation pact.
With Raila openly endorsing flagship government projects and even mourning missed investment opportunities, observers say the political landscape has entered uncharted waters — one where ideology takes a backseat to pragmatism.
Whether the partnership will survive the turbulence of 2027 politics remains to be seen. But for now, Kenyans are witnessing what once seemed impossible: Raila and Ruto speaking from the same development script.
