By Anderson Ojwang
Kenya’s political landscape has been awash with claims and counter-allegations of betrayal. In the process, history has come into play, with the main players tasting the bittersweet recipe of past deeds that have often come back to haunt them.
Currently, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is lamenting over an alleged betrayal by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with President William Ruto.
In the 2007 presidential election, Kalonzo was accused of betraying Raila through a ‘pitia katikati’ moment (passing between) by signing an agreement with President Mwai Kibaki.
And now, the former Vice President has recently had a date with history. History was in play—just like in 2007—only this time, the main character and determinant had changed in the political drama.
After emerging third, Kalonzo became the determinant of the political puzzle between Kibaki and Raila by signing a coalition agreement with the former, joining the government, and subsequently boosting Kibaki’s numbers in Parliament, making him a crucial pillar of the regime.
The 2007 presidential election came hot on the heels of a protracted battle over the ownership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Raila retained ODM, while Kalonzo took ODM-K.
By opting to sign an agreement with Kibaki, Kalonzo dealt a blow to his ally-turned-foe and gave a lifeline to President Kibaki.
This time, after Raila lost the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, Kalonzo and other opposition leaders tried to woo him to their side to help liberate the country from President Ruto.
“If Raila loses, let him come back and we will liberate Kenya from Ruto’s administration,” he said. After the election, he added, “The loss has brought embarrassment to Kenya’s image. I place the blame on Ruto, who was the chief campaigner. He had his agenda—that if he secured Raila the AUC seat, he would have an easier time in Kenya. We demand a real explanation,” he said.
However, just as Kalonzo had done in 2007, Raila opted to sign a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto, leaving Kalonzo and his team in disarray.
A bitter Kalonzo responded by accusing Raila of betrayal and promised to mount a strong team to challenge President Ruto.
On his X handle, formerly Twitter, he wrote:
“What has come out of KICC today is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. The People’s Loyal Coalition will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort.
The unholy ‘MOU Co-operation Agreement’ is not about democracy or strengthening a democratic political culture. Rather, it is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans for political expediency and temporary comfort.
I have been reflecting on Psalm 11—when the foundations are shaken, what will the righteous do?
Kenyans, our foundation has been shaken. Six million Kenyan university students are unable to get employment because of the policies of the KK regime.
Our children are unable to go to class because our foundation has been shaken. Kenyans don’t have health coverage because the foundation has been shaken.
That is the true state of our nation. There is betrayal everywhere—by politicians against Kenyans.
Politicians should never again appear before their people and show off what they have stolen in the shape of ‘donations’.
The People’s Loyal Coalition will never betray the people of Kenya for temporary comfort.”
However, ODM acting party leader Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, in his response, said Raila never betrayed Kalonzo and challenged him to seek dialogue with Raila and Ruto to join hands in developing the country.
“I have read the comments of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka regarding the MOU that ODM and UDA signed in Nairobi on Friday.
Kalonzo’s disconnect is that Azimio was left out. In that regard, therefore, Raila betrayed Azimio.
In the meantime, the same Kalonzo has been meeting with all kinds of characters, including Rigathi Gachagua, without consulting us at all. 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.
Kalonzo should acquaint himself better with the court of conscience. He should read the contents of the MOU before condemning its signing by the two parties.
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.
There is, therefore, still room for Kalonzo Musyoka to seek dialogue with the two leaders to work for the future of our nation.”
Nyong’o, on his X handle, said:
“This agreement outlines a roadmap for addressing Kenya’s social, economic, and political challenges. Additionally, we have recognised the importance of establishing a broad platform for collaboration and cooperation among all political forces.”
Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said it was Kalonzo who betrayed Raila first in 2007, and he should be the last person to talk about betrayal.
“Kalonzo should be reminded that in 2007, he chose Kibaki over Raila in the disputed election. He was more of a spoiler than a real contestant in the presidential election.
He should never talk about betrayal. Yes, it is true he has supported Raila thrice, but when Raila needed him most in 2007, he bolted.
Kalonzo should not blame Raila for betrayal. Raila is more interested in the future of the country than personal interest,” he said.
