President William Ruto has strongly responded to critics who have labeled his recent political agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga as an act of betrayal.
Speaking during an Easter Sunday church service held in Ntulele, Narok County, President Ruto took a firm stand against The Standard newspaper for its bold front-page headline.
The paper had compared Ruto and Raila’s unexpected alliance to the biblical betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, suggesting that their deal was a serious betrayal of Kenya’s founding principles.
Addressing the congregation, Ruto said, “As you can see, today we are seated together—members from both the Azimio and Kenya Kwanza sides.
The unity we are promoting in this country is not just political—it is divine, it is God-given. That’s the only way we, as a nation, will receive blessings—through genuine unity.”
Although he did not directly name The Standard, Ruto criticized the publication for attempting to twist the message of unity. He said, “Some people are out here writing in newspapers, claiming that unity is betrayal.
How shameful and unfortunate. Meanwhile, the bishop is here preaching that nothing is impossible when we are united. But the devil is out there pushing a different message to divide the nation. We pray that the devil’s schemes will be defeated.”
The Standard newspaper, known for its bold and sometimes controversial covers, caused a stir with its latest edition.
It featured a dramatic image and headline that drew a parallel between the Ruto-Raila deal and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, questioning the integrity and motives behind their political agreement.
The front-page story suggested that Kenya’s founding vision had been “sacrificed on the altar of political convenience, impunity, and selfish interests.” It further read, “Just like Eden was lost through defiance and betrayal, Kenya’s dream for a just and prosperous future is now being lost at the hands of those entrusted with protecting it.”
In March 2025, shortly after Raila Odinga failed in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, he and President Ruto signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU marked the beginning of a political working relationship between Raila’s ODM and Ruto’s UDA parties.
Key highlights of the agreement include full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, tackling the high levels of youth unemployment, and enforcing the long-overdue two-thirds gender rule in government.
Additionally, Ruto and Raila agreed on the importance of inclusivity across the country, promising to ensure that all Kenyans—regardless of their religion, region, or political background—will have equal opportunities, particularly in government appointments and national decision-making.
Despite the criticism, Raila has repeatedly clarified that he is not joining the Kenya Kwanza government. Instead, he has said that his role is to provide leadership, advice, and expert guidance to help resolve urgent issues facing the country.
The partnership has sparked heated debate, with some praising the leaders for choosing peace and cooperation over rivalry, while others argue that it is simply another political strategy driven by personal interests rather than national good.
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