A political storm is brewing within the opposition after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused ODM leader Raila Odinga of betrayal over his recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto.
Kalonzo, alongside DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, condemned the agreement signed between ODM and UDA, arguing that it sidelined Azimio la Umoja and dishonored those who lost their lives during protests against the high cost of living.
“If there is no formula at KICC today showing how Kenyans are going to compensate their families and the loss of lives because of police brutality, then nothing will come out of KICC other than betrayal of the Kenyan people,” Kalonzo stated.
However, ODM leaders have hit back at Kalonzo, dismissing his claims. Kisumu Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o urged Kalonzo to read the MoU’s content before condemning it, stating that the agreement seeks to strengthen Kenya’s democratic political culture.
“Kalonzo could acquaint himself better in the court of conscience if he reads the content of the MoU before he condemns its having been signed. The MoU commits the partners to build a much stronger democratic political culture where all parties, regardless of their base of support, will build the Kenyan nation together,” Nyong’o said.
He further criticized Kalonzo for holding meetings with various political figures, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, without consulting fellow opposition members.
“While he meets all kinds of characters without consulting us, we never complain. We respect his democratic right to do so,” he added.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga also defended Raila, saying the deal was for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“Baba (Raila) did not enter into the deal to personally benefit from it. President Ruto equally did not decide to work with Baba for personal gain. That deal was for all Kenyans and not just the two leaders,” Wanga asserted.
Despite the growing tensions, Nyong’o maintained that Kalonzo still has room to engage with Raila and Ruto in discussions for Kenya’s future.
The ODM-UDA agreement has exposed fresh cracks within the opposition, with Kalonzo and his allies insisting that the move undermines the struggles of Kenyans who protested government policies in 2023 and 2024.
As the political realignments continue, the future of Azimio remains uncertain, with observers questioning whether Kalonzo will chart his own political path ahead of the next elections.
