Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has spoken candidly about Raila Odinga’s recent cooperation with the government, suggesting that many Kenyans feel let down by the long-time opposition leader.
In a televised interview with Kameme TV on Monday, June 30, 2025, Kalonzo avoided directly accusing Raila of betrayal but made it clear that the move has raised serious questions among his supporters.
When asked whether he felt Raila had betrayed the opposition by working with the government, Kalonzo responded with a parable-like statement:
“Yeye mwenyewe ajiulize, ni wazi kabisa, huwezi wacha general na askari wote na ku-climb juu ya mti.”
Translation: “He should ask himself. It’s very clear, you can’t leave the general and all the soldiers and climb up a tree.”
He continued by recounting a moment in Homa Bay during the time of the controversial “Zacchaeus and tax” protests, referencing President William Ruto as “Zakayo,” a name borrowed from the Biblical tax collector and widely used by Gen Z demonstrators.
“Nilikuwa Homa Bay nikauliza, wakati wa Zakayo na ushuru, watoto walipinga. Nikauliza watu wa Homa Bay na Nyanza, tukikata mti huu Zakayo akikatalia huko, tupate Baba huko juu tutafanya nini? Wakasema, kata mti.”
Translation: “I was in Homa Bay during the Zakayo and tax period when the youth protested. I asked the people of Homa Bay and Nyanza, if Zakayo refuses to come down and we find Baba (Raila) up in the tree, what do we do? They said—cut the tree.”
Kalonzo said he hoped Raila would have seen the mood of the nation and acted differently.
“I want to make it very clear kwamba Wakenya hawakutarajia hiyo tabia kutoka kwa Raila Odinga. Ata sasa wanaona kabisa hiyo hali. Sitaki kutumia jina kama kusaliti, lakini yeye mwenyewe ajipige moyo wake konde.”
Translation: “I want to make it very clear that Kenyans did not expect that kind of behaviour from Raila Odinga. Even now, they clearly see the situation. I don’t want to use the word ‘betrayal’, but he should examine his conscience.”
Protests beyond Raila’s reach
He also took a swipe at those who believed only Raila could mobilise protests, noting the June 25 demonstrations were citizen-led.
“Kuna watu walidhani maandamano yanaweza fanywa na Raila peke yake. Wakenya wanafanya.”
Translation: “Some people thought protests could only happen through Raila. But Kenyans are doing it themselves.”
Despite his sharp words, Kalonzo stopped short of completely denouncing his long-time ally.
“Huyo ndugu sitaki kuongea yake zaidi kwa sababu nimekuwa naye miaka kumi na mitano.”
Translation: “I don’t want to speak more about that brother because I’ve worked with him for fifteen years.”
His remarks come amid growing public debate over Raila’s closeness to the Ruto administration, with many Gen Z protesters viewing it as a departure from his long-held role as a champion of the people.
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
