ODM National Youth Leader Victor Marende, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the late Raila Odinga’s aide Dennis Onyango pose for a photo on July 2, 2026/OPCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has underscored the importance of constructive dialogue in fostering national unity.
He explained that engagement across political divides
remains critical in building a stronger, more stable and prosperous Kenya.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Mudavadi revealed that he had held discussions with former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga aide Dennis Onyango and ODM National Youth Leader Victor Marende, where they reflected on the country's political journey and the need for leaders to prioritise the national interest over partisan politics.
"Had an engaging conversation with Dennis Onyango, former aide to Raila Odinga, and Victor Marende, ODM National Youth Leader, as we exchanged views on national and political affairs," Mudavadi said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and the late Raila Odinga’s aide Dennis Onyango pose for a photo on July 2, 2026/OPCS
"Our discussions reflected on Kenya's political journey, the importance of dialogue across diverse perspectives, and the shared responsibility of leaders to place the country's interests above partisan differences. We also reminisced about the many lessons and memories from working alongside Baba Raila over the years," he said.
Mudavadi stressed that meaningful engagement between leaders from different political backgrounds is essential for promoting peace, strengthening democracy and creating an environment conducive to economic transformation.
"Meaningful engagement across the political divide strengthens national cohesion, promotes stability and creates an environment that supports investment, economic growth and greater opportunities for all Kenyans," he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of Mudavadi's long and complex political relationship with the late Raila Odinga, a journey that saw the two leaders transition from close allies to political rivals before eventually finding common ground on matters of national interest.
Mudavadi and Raila worked closely during the Grand Coalition Government formed after the 2007 post-election crisis under President Mwai Kibaki.
In that administration, Mudavadi served as Deputy Prime Minister alongside Raila, who was Prime Minister, with the two playing key roles in steering the country through one of its most challenging political periods.
However, the alliance later fractured as the two leaders pursued separate political ambitions, facing each other in subsequent elections while leading rival political formations.
Despite their political differences, the relationship between Mudavadi and Raila evolved in later years, particularly on matters touching on Kenya's regional and international interests.
Most recently, before Raila Odinga's passing, Mudavadi played a central role in rallying diplomatic support across Africa for Raila's successful bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship, underscoring their renewed cooperation despite their divergent political backgrounds.
Following Raila's death, President William Ruto tasked Mudavadi with leading a state delegation to India to receive and escort the veteran opposition leader's remains back to Kenya, a move that highlighted the respect the government accorded Raila's legacy.
