The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Backing for the broad-based government partnership between President William Ruto and late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s allies has more than doubled over the past six months, according to a national survey by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA).
The poll found approval for the political coalition rose from 22% in May to 44% by November, reflecting a notable shift in public opinion. Opposition to the arrangement also declined, falling from a peak of 64% in August to 48% in the latest survey—the lowest level recorded across the three periods.
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Analysts note that earlier resistance was shaped by memories of violent protests and their suppression in June and July.
The broad-based government emerged after President Ruto supported Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Though Odinga was unsuccessful, the partnership formalized a coalition that integrated several senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) figures into Cabinet and key government roles, blurring the lines between government and opposition.
Following the AU race, Ruto appointed several ODM officials to strategic positions, including Cabinet posts, ambassadorships, and parastatal boards. Presidential visits to Odinga’s stronghold in Nyanza for project launches and engagements further strengthened the alliance.
The latest TIFA survey was conducted weeks before Odinga’s death on October 15, while he was receiving medical care abroad. Even prior to his passing, internal debates within ODM about the party’s stance ahead of the 2027 general election reflected broader uncertainties about the coalition’s future.
TIFA researchers said the rising support indicates that public scepticism has eased as the broad-based government concept has matured. However, nearly half of Kenyans still express reservations, highlighting lingering divisions over the arrangement.
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The coalition was officially launched on March 7, 2025, when Ruto and Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), uniting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM to address national issues such as debt, corruption, and political instability.
This followed Ruto’s July 11, 2024, decision to dissolve nearly his entire Cabinet in response to widespread protests over tax hikes and corruption, as part of efforts to create a more inclusive government.
President Ruto has said the broad-based government benefits Kenyans more than a divided nation along ethnic lines.
