Inside the rift that ended the Raila, Ruto bromance
After the controversial 2007 General Election, which saw Mwai Kibaki hastily crowned President, the relationship between the late Raila Odinga and President Ruto gradually took a nosedive...
✨ Key Highlights
The political alliance between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, often described as a "bromance," began to unravel after the contentious 2007 General Election. This rift developed shortly after Mwai Kibaki was declared president amidst controversy.
- The relationship between Raila Odinga and President William Ruto deteriorated following the 2007 General Election.
- Mwai Kibaki was swiftly sworn in as President, sparking controversy that impacted the political dynamic.
- Access to the full article explaining this historical political shift costs Ksh5 or Ksh99/week for full access.
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Political Career of Raila Odinga Defined by Key Alliances and Party Leadership - October 2025
The political career of the late Raila Odinga, who unsuccessfully sought Kenya’s presidency five times, was highlighted by his long-standing alliance with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who served as his running mate. In contrast, his political alliance with President William Ruto began to unravel after the contentious 2007 General Election. Throughout his extensive political career and Kenya's democratic struggles, his wife, Ida Odinga, provided significant, albeit often understated, influence. Odinga transformed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) into a powerhouse, and his sudden death is expected to cause a major political shift in Nyanza and Western Kenya. His passing leaves the ODM party facing an uncertain future without its long-standing leader.
