Senator Omtatah Blasts Raila Odinga Alliance With Ruto, Terms it ‘Political Prostitution’
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticized Raila Odinga, a key figure in the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition, accusing him of betraying his opposition stance by siding with President William Ruto’s administration.
In an online video, Omtatah harshly condemned Odinga’s recent political shift, calling it “political prostitution.”
Omtatah further expressed, “This sort of greed and political prostitution is unacceptable. While one might engage in such behavior with the old order, the new order, which is now visible, cannot tolerate political prostitutes,” referring to Odinga’s decision to align the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza camp.
Omtatah did not hold back, stating, “Regrettably, Baba has become a political prostitute, unable to resist any offer. This renders the government illegitimate.”
This strong criticism follows a Daily Nation report indicating that Odinga has become one of President Ruto’s closest allies amid the ongoing political turmoil within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Odinga, who once fiercely opposed Ruto’s government, has been under increasing pressure to disavow the administration he previously called ‘illegitimate.’
The extended period of mass protests seems to have solidified the alliance between Ruto and Odinga, with the leaders now considering forming a “broad-based government,” often seen as a government of national unity. Both leaders view this as the best approach to address the rising unrest. Sources close to them indicate that Odinga and Ruto are holding regular meetings.
Their discussions are focused on stabilizing the nation. Reports from both sides suggest that Odinga has gained substantial influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration, with the leaders engaging in “daily consultations” to work towards national reconciliation.
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Contrary to what some might expect, during an ODM Parliamentary Group Meeting on Wednesday, July 17, Odinga defended Ruto and dismissed calls for his resignation. “If Ruto goes, what then? Gachagua might take over and continue implementing poor policies. Ruto could also step down and let the [military] generals take control, leading to a situation like Egypt post-Tahrir Square. The call for Ruto to go cannot be the solution,” Odinga stated.
He added, “In times of crisis, dialogue is crucial. We are not doing this to save Ruto but to save Kenya. Generals don’t use tear gas or water cannons; they use bullets.”
Despite these events, Odinga’s close allies deny any private meetings with the President at State House, Nairobi, fearing potential political repercussions for the opposition leader before a formal cooperation agreement is finalized. Speaking in Kakamega over the weekend, Odinga refuted accusations of secret meetings with Ruto.
“When I was invited to sign the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) Bill, I was asked to go to State House but refused. They then suggested Harambee House, the President’s office, which I also declined, opting for a public venue. When they proposed KICC, I agreed,” Odinga explained, countering allegations of covert visits to State House.
Nonetheless, Odinga’s critics remain steadfast. Omtatah rejected the idea that Odinga’s actions were for the country’s benefit, stating, “Raila is only looking out for himself. He has not even sought justice for the deceased children. How can one rush into an agreement like this?”
He further remarked, “Before negotiating with a criminal, why would you need the one who a criminal confesses to when considering what has happened to this country?”
Senator Omtatah Blasts Raila Odinga Alliance With Ruto, Terms it ‘Political Prostitution’
