Opposition leaders, led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa, have strongly condemned the recently announced cooperation agreement between President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The two leaders described the pact as a “betrayal to Kenyans,” particularly those who lost their lives during the 2023 and 2024 protests against the high cost of living and governance issues.
Speaking at the People’s Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park on Friday, Kalonzo expressed his disappointment, arguing that Raila’s decision to align with Ruto undermines the struggles of Kenyans who had taken to the streets demanding economic and political reforms. He maintained that unless the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) meeting, which was attended by Ruto and Raila, addressed police brutality and compensation for affected families, it would be nothing more than a symbol of betrayal.
“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.
Eugene Wamalwa echoed these sentiments, insisting that the current opposition remains steadfast in fighting for the interests of the people rather than being swayed by government positions. He criticized Raila for aligning with Ruto, warning that history would not look kindly upon those who abandoned the struggle for the common citizen.
“We chose to stand on the side of the Gen Zs, the people of Kenya, and we in the opposition today want to say that we have chosen deliberately and with clear minds where we stand from today,” said Wamalwa.
He further added, “Those who left the opposition to join Zakayo’s government—history is a harsh judge; may it judge them?”
The opposition’s remarks came on the same day that President Ruto and Raila held a parallel meeting at KICC, where they pledged to work together, a move that has sparked intense political debate in the country.
