Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Thursday, June 20, made a notable appearance at Day Two of the Third National Executive Retreat held at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, Nairobi—further affirming his growing influence within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a video widely circulated online, Raila was seen warmly receiving President William Ruto upon his arrival, with Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also in attendance. Their casual exchange captured national attention.
“How are you, Baba?” President Ruto greeted him with a smile.
Raila responded, “Yeah, this is my home,” in reference to his Karen residence nearby.
Though not a member of the executive or legislature, Raila’s presence at the high-level meeting—which brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and top government officials—highlights his expanding role in national governance following the ODM party’s cooperation agreement with Ruto’s government signed on March 7.
Raila was accompanied by longtime ally and former communications advisor Salim Lone. It remains unclear whether he will make a formal presentation during the three-day retreat.
Despite consistently distancing ODM from full integration into government, Raila has attended several key state functions, reinforcing the perception that he is playing a central advisory and unifying role within the Ruto-led administration.
Political analysts view his appearance at the retreat as part of an evolving alliance that could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Five of Raila’s close allies now serve in the Cabinet—a move widely interpreted as a gesture toward national cohesion and political stabilization in the aftermath of last year’s Gen Z-led protests.
During a separate meeting at State House on Wednesday, President Ruto hosted Kisumu leaders led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive development. The Head of State praised Raila for prioritizing the country’s unity.
“Our broad-based government is neither the creation of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga nor mine—it is God-sent,” President Ruto declared. “It has given us the political goodwill to make bold decisions and implement a truly national development agenda.”
