Wamuzi News Ke
Political loyalty and national interest have been the subject of passionate and unrestrained debates in Kenya after a prominent political analyst referred to President William Ruto’s commendation of Raila Odinga as an instance of a “second betrayal.”
The assertion has led to a strong reaction both in the political and public spheres—suggesting that the whole situation surrounding the praise from the Kenya Kwanza side for the late opposition icon Raila Odinga is a manifestation of deeper shifts in political loyalties that many consider to be a compromise of the age-old political commitments.
The opponents believe that the Raila Odinga’s closeness to President Ruto—characterized by the outpouring of praises during public events—has defeated the very principles that once marked the opposition politics in the country.
A section of the political class is of the opinion that this has not only changed the scene of political battles between the Azimio movement and the Kenya Kwanza coalition, but has also created a rift within the political parties and among the supporters at the grassroots level. Political analysts have seen recent indications from the government as a sign of diplomatic niceness and nothing more.
The public acknowledgment of the presidency after the long-standing competition between Raila Odinga and William Ruto raises issues concerning the changing of loyalties in politics and the future of coalition politics in Kenya. The balm was a surprise and a shock to many Kenyans whose eyes and ears were glued to the fierce rivalry—particularly the 2022 presidential election that raised the country’s political temperature to a boiling point.
The sentiments have been formed over many years of political conflict. Raila Odinga’s legacy was facilitated by his unremitting resistance to ruling powers that involved mass protests, constitutional reforms, and continuous questioning of the ruling powers. His symbolic presence as the leader of the opposition continued until his passing in late 2025, and it was this very legacy that a lot of people thought should keep on being separate from the establishment.
Now, the political analysts and opposition figures characterise Ruto’s admiration for Raila as a second betrayal—that is, a term that is heavily charged with political connotations:
Erosion of Opposition Identity: The critics say that the public acceptance of Raila by the Kenya Kwanza government has not only drawn the lines of ideology but also effectively absorbed the positive aspects of the late leader’s legacy while neglecting the real grievances he stood for.
Political Expediency Over Principle: A few political commentators are of the opinion that the flattery is not out of sincere admiration but rather out of political strategy—a move to take away Raila’s symbolic power and change the political narrative in favor of the 2027 elections.
Disillusionment Among Supporters: The most loyal followers of Azimio and some parts of the electorate are deeply disappointed that a person who at one time was the symbol of opposition and resistance is now getting high praises from those that he always challenged. A senior opposition figure, who wished to remain anonymous, commented that it was “a political disconnect that perplexes many as to where the end of principles is and the beginning of opportunism.”
This concern is especially tragic when considering the splits that have been seen in the coalition of opposition parties, some of whom have already criticized Raila’s previous decision to get involved with the Ruto administration. The government of President Ruto has, in turn, taken the compliment as a sign of acknowledgment of Raila Odinga’s role in the politics of Kenya and the unification of the nation.
The communications from State House have pointed out the necessity of a political atmosphere that is post-conflict and post-rivalry—one that is above the divisive politics of the past elections. The president’s supporters contend that the commemoration of Raila’s legacy could help unite the nation during the times of significant economic and security problems that Kenya is facing.
They hold that the recognition of the past leaders in a respectful manner is the hallmark of a mature democracy and does not mean at all that there are changes in the policy or priorities. The public reaction is portrayed through social media networks, forums, and community discussions, distinctly revealing a divided opinion among the public:
Supporters of Unity: A section of the public embraces the move by the government and considers it a healing process for the old political wounds and uniting the nation which is tired of rivalry.
Skeptics of Motive: The others see the compliment as a political maneuver, a calculated strategy to soften Raila’s legacy and his supporters’ ingress into the Kenya Kwanza without the new policy expectations being met.
Voices of Betrayal: A large number of Kenyans, particularly those who have felt out of the picture in the reconciliation process between Raila and the government, consider the term “second betrayal” as the most powerful expression of their disillusionment regarding political loyalty and the changing alliances.
