NAIROBI, Kenya— The political heat is on, and this time, it’s over Raila Odinga’s deal with President William Ruto.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga has hit back at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, dismissing his claims that Raila betrayed Kenyans by signing a cooperation agreement with Ruto.
According to Wanga, who also serves as Homa Bay Governor, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two leaders is not about personal gain but a strategic move for national unity.
“Baba did not enter into the deal to personally benefit from it. President Ruto equally did not decide to work with Baba to gain anything. That deal was for all Kenyans, not just the two,” she stated.
ODM Chairlady, Gladys Wanga, responsed to Kalonzo Musyoka
Unity or Betrayal? The Political Divide
The Raila-Ruto handshake has split the opposition. Wanga insists it’s about uniting the country, while Kalonzo and other opposition figures see it as a betrayal of Kenyans who protested against Ruto’s administration.
Wanga, urging Kenyans to support the newfound alliance, dismissed the betrayal narrative.
“How can unity be betrayal? How can bringing Kenyans together be betrayal? How can addressing youth unemployment be betrayal?” she questioned.
But Kalonzo and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa aren’t buying it.
They argue that Raila’s cooperation with Ruto undermines the sacrifices made by citizens who protested against high taxes, police brutality, and governance failures in 2023 and 2024.
“If there is no formula at KICC today on how to compensate the families who lost loved ones due to police brutality, then nothing will come out of this deal other than betrayal,” Kalonzo declared.
Raila’s Exit from Opposition Sparks Backlash
With Raila now aligned with Ruto, what happens to the opposition? According to Wamalwa, the real opposition will remain intact—without Raila.
“We chose to stand on the side of the Gen Zs and the people of Kenya,” Wamalwa asserted, taking a swipe at Raila for what he sees as abandoning the struggle.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear—Kenya’s political landscape has shifted. Whether the Raila-Ruto agreement brings progress or deepens divisions remains to be seen.
