EALA MP Sankok hails Raila-Ruto truce

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament David Sankok praised the newfound working relationship between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, despite their previously intense political rivalry.

While addressing congregants during an Easter Sunday service held in Ntulele, Narok County on April 20, 2025, Sankok applauded the government’s inclusive direction now featuring Raila, while highlighting the dramatic shift in the country’s political landscape.

"These days, we have a broad-based government. You see, even Raila is now with us; thank you for bringing him," Sankok said, drawing laughter from the congregation.

"You and I have been fighting Raila, but I must say Raila is the King of Peace," he added.

Sankok referenced several moments in Raila Odinga’s political journey to underscore his long-standing role in fostering peace and unity.

He recalled Raila’s reconciliation with former President Daniel arap Moi after years of political persecution, which culminated in the NDP-KANU alliance.

He also pointed to Raila’s decision to join forces with President Mwai Kibaki following the deeply divisive 2007 elections, and later, the symbolic handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta that helped calm a tense political climate.

"Raila spent nine years behind bars during Moi’s regime, yet he still chose to forgive and partner with him politically. With Kibaki, their clashes were constant—like clothes battling in the wind on a clothesline—but they still managed to form a coalition government," Sankok remarked.

Sankok reminded the audience of the period when Ruto regularly mocked Raila, labeling him the "riddle man" and vowing to cart him off to Bondo, his rural home, using a wheelbarrow, UDA coalition's symbolic campaign image.

"You used to call him the man of riddles and even promised to load him into a wheelbarrow and take him back to Bondo. And yet today, you’ve embraced each other as allies," Sankok said with a touch of irony.

Sankok’s comments follow closely on the heels of a landmark political deal between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, signed on March 7, 2025.

The agreement formally established a working relationship between the Kenya Kwanza administration and the opposition ODM party.

The pact identifies ten priority areas of collaboration, including the full adoption of the NADCO report, bolstering devolution, intensifying the fight against corruption, ensuring accountability in the use of public resources, and upholding democratic rights and freedoms.