Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has clarified reports that he issued an ultimatum to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga.
Taking to X on Tuesday, April 29, Kingi flagged as fake a news card purporting that he had asked Odinga to stop political con games and declare his stance on joining the government.
"Raila Odinga must stop this political con game! You can’t feast at Ruto’s table with one hand while pointing fingers with the other," the fake quote read.
"Kenyans are tired of your double-speak—either lead the opposition properly or join the government fully. This hypocritical dance must end," it continued.
Since his speech in Siaya on Sunday, asking Kenyans to stop criticising Odinga, Kenyans online have shared misquoted texts purporting to be from the Senate Speaker.
However, in the clip seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Kingi urged Kenyans to evaluate their history before criticising Odinga, as he was one of the greatest politicians Kenya has ever seen.
"A lot of people on social media are criticising Raila Amollo Odinga, but if you study Kenya's history, the kind of political space we are enjoying today as a country, the kind of democracy we are enjoying as a country, were it not for him, believe it or not, we wouldn't be here today," he stated.
"Before you criticised him, read your history. This space that we are using to criticise him – were it not for his sacrifices, this country would not have gained the kind of political dispensation and democracy that we are enjoying today. Today we have many parties, but there are people who paid for that with their blood and others with years in jail."
Since the ODM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Kwanza administration on March 7, the two former political rivals have faced a long road, as some of their party members do not often conform to a common belief.
Top ODM leaders like governors Anyang Nyong'o and Gladys Wanga have backed the party leader's decision to sign the MOU, shutting down claims of betrayal by opposition leaders.
Ruto and Raila also agreed to enhance inclusivity among Kenyans regardless of their religion and political affiliations in the MOU in a bid to improve opportunities for all Kenyans, especially public appointments.
They also agreed on the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, among others.
