Mau Forest Dispute Cited as Origin of Rift in Raila-Ruto Political Alliance - October 2025

The political alliance between Raila Odinga and William Ruto is reported to have unraveled shortly after the formation of the Grand Coalition Government following the disputed 2007 General Election. The Mau Forest dispute is highlighted as a primary factor that caused a significant rift between the two former allies. Though they had forged a strong working relationship in 2005, their disagreements steadily escalated. More recently, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua revealed that before his death on October 15, Odinga had privately expressed discomfort with President Ruto’s administration and accused Ruto of disrespecting Odinga's legacy during the mourning period.