NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua has taken a swipe at former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for allegedly betraying her following his controversial decision to side with President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking during an interview on NTV on Thursday, the former Azimio principal accused Odinga of hijacking the Gen Z protests to advance his political agenda.
According to Karua, the former opposition leader was expected to side with the youthful protesters but instead chose to support the government.
“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,” Karua stated.
A collage of Martha Karua and Raila Odinga
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Martha Karua, Raila Odinga
“As leaders, we must protect and stand with the people. So it’s not only the Gen Zs I also personally felt betrayed,” the NARC-Kenya party leader added.
While confirming her party’s exit from the Azimio coalition, Karua explained that some of the opposition leaders within the coalition had become the mouthpiece of Ruto’s government.
In particular, Karua hit out at Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho for siding with the government despite previously being in opposition.
“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,” Karua stated.
Addressing her fallout with Odinga, Karua advised the former Azimio leader to consider formalising his agreement with President Ruto.
“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,” Karua suggested.
On the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Karua revealed that despite her dislike for Gachagua, the latter’s rights were violated.
According to her, Gachagua allegedly abused his opportunity in government including his failure to address the raid at former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm. However, Karua maintained that just like other Kenyans, Gachagua was entitled to a fair hearing during his impeachment.
Rigathi Gachagua during a function in Embu. PHOTO/ Rigathi Gachagua.