Raila Odinga to Address Cabinet on Day Two of National Executive Retreat
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is set to address Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior government officials on June 20, during the second day of the third National Executive Retreat at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
According to Dennis Itumbi, Head of Special Projects at the Presidency, Raila’s address will focus on enhancing intergovernmental collaboration, the role of the legislature in advancing the government’s agenda, service delivery, and accountability mechanisms through institutions such as the Office of the Auditor General.
“Raila Odinga on location to address CSs, PSs, and other senior officials. Strengthening delivery, enabling the agenda, deepening intergovernmental collaboration, and enhancing accountability through the Auditor General’s office,” Itumbi posted on X.
The high-level retreat, chaired by President William Ruto, is centered around seven key priorities: the economy, agriculture, health, education, digital transformation of government services, MSME growth, and job creation.
Raila was earlier seen welcoming President Ruto to the venue, accompanied by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. This marks the first time the ODM leader is addressing such a high-ranking Executive forum since the March 7 cooperation agreement between his party and Ruto’s government.
“How are you, Baba?” President Ruto greeted Raila upon arrival. “I know you’re a neighbour here.”
Raila responded: “Yeah, this is my home.”
He was joined by longtime ally and former communications advisor, veteran journalist Salim Lone.
Although Raila has maintained that ODM remains outside the government, his increasing presence at official functions, including those led by the President, signals his growing influence within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
His participation in the retreat reflects his elevated status in the current political landscape and suggests a strengthening alliance with President Ruto ahead of the 2027 general election.
Their cooperation has already resulted in the appointment of five of Raila’s close allies to the Cabinet, a move widely interpreted as an effort to stabilize the nation following the Gen Z-led protests last year.
President Ruto has repeatedly lauded Raila for what he terms his “selflessness and patriotism” in choosing to work toward national unity.
