Ruto Calls Out Standard Newspaper Over 'Judas Betrayal' Headline
Ruto specifically called out The Standard newspaper for its bold front-page headline that framed his new alliance with Raila as a sellout of Kenya’s founding principles.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
President William Ruto on Sunday, April 20, clapped back at critics who called his recent deal with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Raila Odinga, a “betrayal.”
Speaking during an Easter Sunday service in Ntulele, Narok County, Ruto specifically called out The Standard newspaper for its bold front-page headline that framed his new alliance with Raila as a sellout of Kenya’s founding principles.
"You can see today we are seated here—Azimio and Kenya Kwanza governments. 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," Ruto remarked.
Without naming The Standard directly, the president threw shade at the paper, labelling it as “those telling us through newspapers that unity is betrayal.”
President William Ruto during a church service in Ntulele, Narok County. /PCS
He continued, saying, "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, famous for its attention-grabbing headlines, stirred the pot again with a bold cover that compared the Ruto-Raila deal to Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus in the Bible.
The publication claimed that Kenya's founding vision had been “squandered at the altar of political expediency, impunity, and personal gain.”
"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," the cover page read in part.
In March 2025, following Raila's defeat at the AUC chairperson race, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President Ruto that will see both ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) work together.
The duo signed what is called a political cooperation agreement, which is not to mean a coalition agreement, as has been the case in similar agreements spanning more than 30 years.
The two parties signed a 10-point MoU aimed at strengthening national unity and addressing governance issues. Key commitments include the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, ensuring inclusivity in budget allocations and public appointments, and protecting the principles of devolution.
The MoU also emphasizes economic investments benefiting the youth, promoting leadership integrity, and discouraging extravagant lifestyles among public officials.
Additionally, the agreement calls for safeguarding citizens' rights to peaceful assembly, compensating victims of rights violations, and conducting a comprehensive audit of national debt usage.
Other provisions focus on tackling corruption, eliminating wasteful spending of public resources, and upholding the sovereignty of the people by preventing abductions. It further underscores a commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and press freedom.
President William Ruto (right) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrive at the KICC for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday, March 7, 2025. /PCS
