Political tensions flared on Sunday as the Wiper Democratic Movement unleashed a blistering statement accusing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of spreading falsehoods about Raila Odinga’s health.
The statement, issued by Wiper Secretary General Senator Shakila Aballa, condemned what it termed “ODM’s descent into moral confusion and political irrelevance.”
In the statement, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s party denied any role in a purported smear campaign against Odinga, calling ODM’s allegations “reckless fabrications” meant to distract Kenyans from its internal divisions. The statement painted ODM’s actions as “a desperate attempt to deflect attention from the chaos within the so-called Broad Based Government they now serve so loyally.”
Once celebrated as a party of reform, ODM was accused of betraying its founding ideals by aligning with President William Ruto’s administration, which Wiper blames for the economic crisis, youth repression, and the violent handling of the Gen Z protests. “Standing with those who maim and silence young Kenyans is unforgivable,” the statement read, warning that ODM’s new alliances “mock the nation’s intelligence.”
The Wiper communiqué also took a swipe at Odinga’s failed African Union Commission bid, describing it as the result of “diplomatic missteps and poor strategy.” It suggested that ODM’s recent aggression stems from guilt and insecurity, not genuine political conviction.
“Wiper will not be dragged into ODM’s self-inflicted decay,” Aballa declared. “H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka stands for justice, truth, and a Kenya that values life and liberty over expediency, money, and power.”
The strongly worded statement signals a sharp escalation in the once-cordial relationship between the two opposition allies, exposing deep fractures within the Azimio coalition and hinting at a looming realignment in Kenya’s opposition politics.
