Mau Forest: Bitter dispute that shattered first Raila, Ruto alliance
The decision to support the restoration of the Mau Forest cost Raila Odinga crucial support in the Rift Valley during the 2013 General Election...
✨ Key Highlights
The **Mau Forest** dispute is highlighted as a primary factor that caused a significant rift between former allies, then-Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Cabinet Minister William Ruto, following the formation of the **Grand Coalition Government** after the disputed **2007 General Election**.
- The deterioration of the relationship between Raila Odinga and William Ruto began after the **2007 General Election** and the subsequent **Grand Coalition Government**.
- Before the conflict, Raila Odinga and William Ruto had a strong working relationship, first established in **2005**.
- Both political figures were known for their strong opinions and considerable followings, making them a powerful political force.
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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.
