Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has come out to clear the air regarding claims that he made harsh comments about ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
On Tuesday, April 29, Kingi took to X (formerly Twitter) to dismiss as fake a widely circulated news card suggesting he had given Odinga an ultimatum, telling him to stop political deceit and decide whether to join the government or remain in the opposition.
The fake quote claimed: “Raila Odinga must stop this political con game! You can’t feast at Ruto’s table with one hand while pointing fingers with the other. Kenyans are tired of your double-speak—either lead the opposition properly or join the government fully. This hypocritical dance must end.”
However, Kingi has now clarified that he never made such a statement. Instead, he expressed respect for Raila Odinga and urged Kenyans to understand the former Prime Minister’s role in the country’s political progress before casting judgment.
Speaking in Siaya on Sunday, Kingi asked Kenyans to remember the sacrifices Raila has made for the nation. In a video clip reviewed by Newshub.co.ke, he said:
“Many people are harshly criticising Raila Amollo Odinga on social media, but if you take time to understand the history of our country, you’ll realise that the democratic space and freedoms we enjoy today are largely because of the sacrifices made by him. If not for Raila’s courage and relentless fight for democracy, Kenya would not be where it is now,” Kingi said.
He continued by urging people to be mindful before speaking ill of Raila:
“Before you criticise him, read the history books.
This very platform we use to criticise leaders exists because people like Raila fought for it—some were jailed for years, and others even shed their blood to give us the freedom we enjoy now. Today we have many political parties and open dialogue, but these didn’t come easily.”
Since the ODM party signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Kwanza government on March 7, some confusion and disagreements have emerged, especially among party supporters who hold differing opinions.
Despite the mixed reactions, top ODM leaders such as Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o and Gladys Wanga have defended Raila’s decision to sign the agreement.
They have dismissed claims that the party leadership betrayed the opposition’s mission.
President William Ruto and Raila Odinga agreed that the MoU would promote national unity and inclusivity, ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of political party or religion, have access to government opportunities and services.
The two leaders also committed to fully implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which addresses crucial issues like youth unemployment, the enforcement of the two-thirds gender rule, and expanding equal opportunities for all citizens.
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