President William Ruto has hit back at critics claiming that his recent pact with Orange Democratic Party (ODM ) leader Raila Odinga is a 'betrayal'.
The president, while speaking during an Easter Sunday service in Ntulele, Narok County, specifically took aim at The Standard newspaper over a bold front-page splash which suggested the newfound partnership between the two leaders was a betrayal of Kenya’s founding ideals.
"You can see today we are seated here—Azimio and Kenya Kwanza governments. The unity we are pushing in Kenya is divine and God-ordained. That is how we can be blessed as a nation—if we are united," Ruto remarked.
Without mentioning The Standard, the president proceeded to slam the publication, referring to it as “those telling us through newspapers that unity is betrayal.”
The president added, "How shameful and tragic, while the bishop is telling us that nothing is impossible when we are united. The devil has a different message against unity in our nation. May the devil be defeated."
The Standard, known for its explosive splashes, once again ignited conversation with a provocative cover image, equating the Ruto-Raila agreement to the biblical betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Iscariot.
According to the publication, Kenya's founding vision has been “squandered at the altar of political expediency, impunity, and personal gain.”
The cover read in part, "Just as the biblical Eden was lost through defiance and betrayal, so too has Kenya's dream of a just and prosperous nation been squandered by those entrusted to guard it."
In March 2025, at the back of Raila's defeat in the AUC chairperson race, the ODM boss and President Ruto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) work together.
Among the key agreements reached between the two leaders are the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule.
Secondly, Ruto and Raila also agreed to enhance inclusivity among Kenyans regardless of their religion and political affiliations. According to the leaders, enhancing inclusivity would improve opportunities for all Kenyans, especially public appointments.
Following the pact, Raila has come out on several occasions to reiterate that he was not part of the Kenya Kwanza government, insisting that his team was simply providing guidance and expertise aimed at resolving urgent national crises.
