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Kalonzo, Omtatah, Wamalwa: Ruto, Raila pact betrays Kenya and the youth
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right) with Democratic Action party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa during the People Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi on March 07, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mr Musyoka promised to lead Kenyans in protesting against the pact and championing for changes in government.
- He has also condemned President Ruto over what he called “punitive” taxes that have destroyed the business environment.
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Busia senator Okiya Omtatah, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) boss Eugene Wamalwa have termed President William Ruto’s pact with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the highest form of “betrayal” for millions of Kenyans across the country.
The leaders who were speaking at the People’s Dialogue Festival in Nairobi on Friday March 7 called upon Kenyans, especially the youth, to unite and dislodge both Mr Odinga and President Ruto for pushing for selfish interests.
Mr Musyoka promised to lead Kenyans in protesting against the pact and championing for changes in government by bringing reforms such as eradication of the housing levy.
“They thought that it is only a few people who can lead protests and demonstrations in the country. They are all wrong. I want to announce that from now onwards, we will be the people’s loyal opposition who are seeking to liberate this country. I urge the youth to stand with us in this journey in holding President Ruto and his partner accountable for human rights violations and the deteriorating situation,” Mr Musyoka told the youth who had gathered at Uhuru Park.
He has also condemned President Ruto over what he called “punitive” taxes that have destroyed the business environment making investors to migrate to the neighboring countries.
President Ruto and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) that they said will ease political tensions, foster national unity, and address Kenya’s most pressing social and economic challenges.
At the heart of it, is a 10-point MoU, in which they vowed to implement the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report — which among other things called for the formation of the Prime Minister’s post, as well as to curb opulence in government and public office — stop abductions and intensify fight against graft.
“Whether there is a Handshake or no handshake, the truth is that President Ruto must go. Do not be lied to that they will take you abroad to get jobs. Companies that were to provide opportunities here in Kenya have left for neighboring countries like Tanzania. If they do not come up with a formula to compensate the families and those who were killed during the protests then there is nothing coming out of KICC. It is just betrayal,” he added.
Mr Omtatah said President Ruto, with the backing of Mr Odinga, is out to frustrate Kenyans with punitive taxes to finance their selfish ambitions.
“Those who are meeting at KICC are criminals. It is good that they have shown us their true colours early enough and from now henceforth, we declare wear on them to liberate Kenyans. They have united to steal our public resources and nothing else. We call upon the youth to register as voters beginning next week so that we can liberate the country,” Mr Omtatah said.
Mr Wamalwa, who accompanied Mr Musyoka, also condemned those attending the event at KICC.
“Today is a historic day. It is a day of choice whether you need to stand with those who are at KICC to finish Kenyans or stand with the people of Kenyans. As opposition, we will stand with Kenyans to liberate them. The country is in a pathetic state. There are no funds for universities, schools and SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund) has failed Kenyans. Young people are suffering and we will stand with them,” Mr Wamalwa said.
The People's Dialogue Festival is an annual event organized by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy-Kenya to foster inclusive dialogue and transformative engagement among leaders, citizens, government institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
The youth who attended the event in Nairobi called upon fellow youth to register as voters ahead of the upcoming general election.
The youth also engaged in discussions regarding the problems facing the country such as corruption, wastage of public resources, taxation and solutions to these challenges.