Ruto Hits Back at Newspaper Over ‘Judas’ Betrayal Allegation on Raila Alliance
NTULELE, Narok – April 20, 2025:
President William Ruto has strongly rebuked claims that his recent political agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga represents betrayal, calling such narratives divisive and misleading. Speaking during an Easter Sunday church service in Ntulele, Narok County, the president subtly referenced The Standard newspaper, which earlier headlined the pact as a 'Judas betrayal'.
The publication, in its Sunday front-page editorial, likened the Ruto-Raila alliance to the biblical betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot, sparking widespread public debate.
Without directly naming the outlet, President Ruto made his position clear: unity, not division, is what Kenya needs at this moment.
“There are some telling us through newspapers that unity is betrayal. How unfortunate. As the bishop preaches peace and unity, others spread messages that divide. May the devil be defeated,” he told the congregation.
Ruto Defends Political Alliance as ‘God-Ordained Unity’
Ruto emphasized that the spirit of unity between the Kenya Kwanza coalition and Azimio la Umoja was guided by divine intent and a shared goal to build a stronger, more inclusive Kenya. He dismissed any interpretation that framed the MoU between him and Raila as political opportunism or a departure from Kenya’s democratic ideals.
“We are here together—Azimio and Kenya Kwanza—not because of betrayal, but because unity is blessed. This is the Kenya we want,” Ruto affirmed.
The Standard, however, did not mince words in its editorial, accusing Kenya’s leadership of abandoning founding ideals for personal and political gain. The cover story read:
“Just as Eden was lost through defiance and betrayal, so too has Kenya's dream been squandered by those entrusted to guard it.”
Details of the Ruto-Raila MoU and National Impact
The pact between President Ruto and Raila Odinga, signed in March 2025 following Raila’s AUC chairperson race loss, outlines key commitments including the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, tackling youth unemployment, and enforcing the two-thirds gender rule.
Additionally, the agreement calls for enhanced inclusivity across religious and political lines, aiming to create equal opportunities for all Kenyans in both public and private sectors.
While critics allege the move is politically motivated, Raila has insisted the alliance is not about joining government, but rather offering expertise to steer the country through critical social and economic challenges.
A Nation Divided or United? Public Opinion Split
Reactions to the Ruto-Raila pact have been polarized. Supporters hail it as a much-needed bridge across Kenya’s political divide, while detractors—like those behind The Standard’s “Judas” headline—see it as a betrayal of voters' trust.
As debate rages on, President Ruto’s firm stance appears to be a message to detractors: unity, not suspicion, will shape Kenya’s next chapter.
