Look in the mirror, ODM now tells Kalonzo on Raila attacks
Kisumu County Orange Democratic Movement leaders (ODM), led by Coordinating Committee Chair Paul Akeyo (second left), address a press conference on March 11, 2025.
What you need to know:
- They reminded Mr Musyoka of his move to work with former President Mwai Kibaki in 2007 at a time when the opposition had the best chance to ascend to the presidency.
- “For those like Kalonzo accusing Raila of betrayal, we invite you to look at yourselves in the mirror. You are the real betrayer (sic).
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has lashed out at its partners in the Azimio for accusing Raila Odinga of being a traitor after he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance last Friday.
Party officials in Kisumu singled out Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who they asked to conduct a self-evaluation first before pointing fingers at his fellow principals in the coalition for agreeing with President Ruto.
In a statement, the ODM Interim Party Leader and Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang' Nyong'o said Mr Musyoka has been holding meetings with other politicians but never saw anything wrong with it.
“The same Kalonzo has met with the former DP Rigathi Gachagua without consulting ODM, but we never complained. We took it as his democratic right to do so. Whether or not he has signed some agreement with them is none of our business," said Prof Nyong’o.
Prof Nyong’o was reacting to Mr Musyoka's discontentment that Azimio had been left out regarding the MoU signed between ODM and UDA parties and that Mr Odinga had betrayed the coalition.
He told Mr Musyoka to read the contents of the MoU before condemning Mr Odinga.
"The MOU commits the partners to build a much stronger democratic political culture in which all parties and movements, notwithstanding their ‘base of support’, will build the Kenyan nation together," Pro Nyong'o said.
He urged Musyoka to seek dialogue with President Ruto and Mr Odinga, and work together with the two leaders for a better future for the country.
During a press conference on Tuesday morning, Kisumu County Coordinating Committee leadership continued with the bashing, asking Mr Musyoka to look in the mirror if he wants to know the real traitor.
They reminded Mr Musyoka of his move to work with former President Mwai Kibaki in 2007 at a time when the opposition had the best chance to ascend to the presidency.
“For those like Kalonzo accusing Raila of betrayal, we invite you to look at yourselves in the mirror. You are the real betrayer (sic).
We ask Mr Musyoka to remember what he did to the opposition in 2007, when he sneaked ‘Kati kati’ and joined our main opponent back then, Mwai Kibaki, to cement the election fraud that led to the post-election violence,” said Mr Johnson Guya, the committee’s secretary.
Apart from Mr Musyoka, the ODM official cautioned Democratic Action Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa against dragging Mr Odinga’s name into tribal politics, saying he (Wamalwa) was free to campaign on the Azimio platform without mentioning Mr Odinga's name.
The committee’s secretary said the new cooperation has shocked and surprised politicians who were already beating the drums of war and were plotting to obliterate Kenya into political and tribal cocoons.
“The political dispensation once again proves to the world that Mr Odinga is a statesman and peace-maker who has his country at heart. He has been wronged many times and often denied his rightful victories.
He however turns back to pacify his motherland. For his reconciliatory spirit, history will judge Baba very kindly,” said Mr Guya.
Prisca Misachi, who spoke on behalf of women, said Mr Odinga meant well for the country, asking ODM critics to focus on cleaning up their houses and not bashing the Orange party.
Mr Seth Kanga, Kisumu County Assembly Majority whip and Kisumu Central ODM Chairman said those who never supported Mr Odinga in 2022, now appear to be the most concerned about his political moves.
“We are well aware of some areas who did not vote for Mr Odinga, they should not blame our party leader for whatever position he is taking to work with President Ruto who they chose,” said Mr Kanga.
He invited the Head of State to tour the Nyanza region to popularize the new arrangement with Mr Odinga which has also attracted condemnation from a section of Kenyans and leaders.