Ruto Blasts Standard Newspaper Over ‘Judas Betrayal’ Headline
President William Ruto has responded to critics who allege his recent agreement with Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is a ‘betrayal’.
While speaking at an Easter Sunday church in Ntulele, Narok County, the president directly targeted The Standard newspaper.
This follows the newspaper’s strong front-page splash, which claimed that the two leaders’ unexpected cooperation constituted a betrayal of Kenya’s fundamental beliefs.
“You can see today we are seated here—Azimio and Kenya Kwanza governments,” Ruto remarked.
“The unity we are pushing in Kenya is divine and God-ordained. That is how we can be blessed as a nation—if we are united.”
President Ruto: It is shameful and tragic for the Standard Newspaper to tell us that my union with Raila is a betrayal to the country. pic.twitter.com/8o5VO9VWXd
— Controlla News (@controllanews) April 20, 2025
Without identifying The Standard, the president went on to criticize the publication, referring to it as “those telling us through newspapers that unity is betrayal.”
The president added, “How shameful and tragic, while the bishop is telling us that nothing is impossible when we are united.
“The devil has a different message against unity in our nation. May the devil be defeated.”
The Standard, famed for its dramatic splashes, reignited debate with a daring cover graphic that compared the Ruto-Raila pact to Judas Iscariot’s historical betrayal of Jesus Christ.
According to the journal, Kenya’s founding goal was “squandered on the altar of political expediency, impunity, and personal gain.”
The cover read in part, “Just as the biblical Eden was lost through defiance and betrayal, so too has Kenya’s dream of a just and prosperous nation been squandered by those entrusted to guard it.”
In March 2025, following Raila’s defeat in the AUC chairperson race, the ODM leader and President Ruto signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) collaborate.
The two presidents secured several crucial agreements, including the complete execution of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing young unemployment, and implementing the two-thirds gender rule.
READ MORE:
- 3 Suspected Abductors Arrested, Detained In Murang’a
- Gov’t To Close Down Kameme, 23 Stations For Violating New Regulations
- Cheluget Family Confirms Being In Talks With Gov’t Over Disputed Land
- ‘I am Not A UDA Project!’ – MP Salasya Says
- Sakaja’s Nairobi County Evicts Woodley Tenants Over Unpaid Arrears
Second, Ruto and Raila committed to promoting inclusivity among Kenyans, regardless of religion or political affiliation.
According to the leaders, increasing inclusivity will boost prospects for all Kenyans, particularly in public positions.
Following the arrangement, Raila has repeatedly said that he is not a member of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Odinga argued that his team was only providing counsel and expertise to help resolve important national concerns.
Ruto Blasts Standard Newspaper Over ‘Judas Betrayal’ Headline
