In an interview on NTV, NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has launched a scathing attack of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing him of betrayal following his unexpected alignment with President William Ruto’s administration.
Karua specifically addressed what she perceives as Odinga’s exploitation of the Gen Z protests, suggesting he co-opted the youth movement for personal political gain. Karua stated,
“When we become opposition leaders, we owe a certain duty to Kenyans, whether or not, we are in the Gen Z moments, the Gen Zs who did the work and died for this country.”
She further expressed her personal disappointment, adding,
“As leaders, we must protect and stand with the people. So it’s not only the Gen Zs I also personally felt betrayed.”
Karua: Raila Betrayed Us
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) December 19, 2024
Martha Karua has accused Raila Odinga of not just betraying the Gen-Z movement but also betraying her.
Karua says instead of siding with the protestors, Raila chose to close ranks with the government.#NTVTonight @Ben_Kitili @david_muthoka7 pic.twitter.com/GjsbZIxtuc
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NARC-Kenya’s Exit from Azimio Coalition
In announcing her party’s departure from the Azimio coalition, Karua highlighted how certain opposition figures had transformed into government advocates.
She specifically called out Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho for their shift in allegiance to the Ruto administration. Karua emphasized,
“That is why there is no way we can be in a coalition that no longer serves the purpose of the people. We need to defend the people, we need to call the Ruto regime to account and you cannot do that with one leg in and another one out.”
Call for Political Transparency
In a pointed suggestion to her former ally, Karua urged Odinga to formalize his relationship with the current administration. She said,
“I call upon my friend and brother Raila Odinga to do the honourable thing, have a post-election coalition agreement with Ruto so that they are in government through a proper political marriage solemnised by the registrar of political parties.”
Stance on Gachagua’s Impeachment
In a surprising turn, Karua addressed the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, revealing a nuanced position.
Despite her criticism of Gachagua’s conduct in office, including his handling of the raid on former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm, Karua maintained that proper legal procedures should have been followed.
She emphasized that regardless of personal disagreements, Gachagua’s right to due process should have been respected during the impeachment proceedings.
