The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairperson, Gladys Wanga, has strongly refuted claims that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga betrayed Kenyans by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto.
Speaking on Saturday, March 8, during the International Women’s Day celebrations in Homa Bay County, Wanga emphasized that the agreement between the two leaders was solely aimed at fostering national unity.
She dismissed suggestions that Raila joined forces with President Ruto for personal gain, insisting that the new broad-based partnership was designed to benefit all Kenyans.
Wanga explained that the deal would help address some of the country’s most pressing issues, such as youth unemployment, and promote inclusivity in governance.
“Yesterday, Raila led us into a broad-based government and urged us to support President Ruto’s administration. This move was not driven by selfish interests but rather by the desire to unite Kenyans,” she stated.
She further defended the agreement, asking critics to reconsider their stance. “We fully support Raila Odinga and President Ruto in their efforts to unite the country so that every Kenyan can benefit.
Some people are calling this a betrayal, but how can uniting a nation be considered betrayal?” she questioned.
Wanga’s remarks came in response to criticism from Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who, on Friday, March 7, during the People’s Dialogue Festival in Nairobi, denounced Raila’s agreement with President Ruto.
Kalonzo termed the deal the greatest betrayal of the Kenyan people, urging citizens—especially the youth—to reject the new political arrangement. He argued that the pact was crafted to serve personal interests rather than the public good.
The Azimio leader was adamant that Raila’s support would not guarantee President Ruto’s re-election in 2027. “Unless a solution is presented at KICC today on how Kenyans will be compensated for the lives lost due to police brutality, then this agreement means nothing but betrayal,” Kalonzo asserted.
His sentiments were echoed by Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, who criticized Raila for abandoning his opposition role and aligning himself with the government. Wamalwa warned that history would not be kind to those who switched sides for political convenience.
“Those who abandoned their duty in opposition to join President Ruto’s government should remember that history is a harsh judge. Let history judge them accordingly. We have chosen to stand with the Gen Zs, and we do so with a clear conscience,” Wamalwa stated.
The debate surrounding the Ruto-Raila deal continues to stir mixed reactions, with some leaders supporting the agreement as a path toward national unity, while others view it as a betrayal of the opposition’s core principles.
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