Kalonzo: Raila Betrayed Me, I Won’t Work With Ruto
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused Azimio la Umoja coalition partner Raila Odinga of betrayal, stating firmly that he cannot work with President William Ruto nor rejoin forces with Raila under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking on K24 TV during an interview aired on June 30, 2025, Kalonzo expressed frustration over Raila’s unilateral decision to engage with President Ruto, describing it as a betrayal of the Azimio coalition and a disregard for years of political loyalty.
“Despite the sacrifices and loyalty I have shown, Raila went ahead to make his own decision,” Kalonzo stated. “He should ask himself whether he betrayed the Azimio coalition or not.”
The Wiper leader said Raila’s move to engage with the government was made without consultation, undermining the collective efforts of the opposition. He ruled out joining Raila in any future government arrangement and reiterated his commitment to staying out of government.
“If Raila wants to pull out of the broad-based government, that’s okay, but not for me to join him in government. If he joins the opposition, he must take the queue,” Kalonzo said.
He also dismissed any claims of warming up to Ruto, stating, “If today I am seen with Ruto or Raila, I will also be labelled a betrayer,” while warning against the misuse of political perceptions.
Recalling his recent visit to Homa Bay during the height of the “Zakayo Shuka” anti-government protests, Kalonzo shared the public sentiment he encountered. “I asked the people what should happen if Ruto, nicknamed Zakayo, refuses to step down and is joined by Raila. The people said, ‘Cut the tree with both Ruto and Raila.’”
Kalonzo further condemned the government’s response to recent demonstrations, particularly the excessive use of police force against protesters. He announced that he, alongside fellow opposition figures Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Jeremiah Kioni, Rigathi Gachagua, and JB Muturi, is working on documenting instances of police brutality for legal action and accountability.
As the opposition space becomes increasingly fragmented, Kalonzo’s stance positions him as a key figure in any future resistance movement, though his insistence on independence signals further cracks within the once-united Azimio alliance.
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Kalonzo: Raila Betrayed Me, I Won’t Work With Ruto