Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has hit back at critics claiming that Raila Odinga has betrayed Kenyans following his joint government agreement with President William Ruto signed at the KICC on Friday, March 7, 2025.

Speaking during an event in Homa Bay on Saturday, March 8, 2025, Wanga insisted that the signed agreement is benefitial in steering national development.

She particularly stated that the framework agreement which seeks to enable ODM to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza government in fulfilling campaign pledges to the people, will address key challenges faced by the youth including unemployment and embrace inclusivity and equity in the country.

Wanga equally dismissed critics alluding that Raila was betraying the country for selfish interests, stating that it is aimed at benefitting all citizens and unite Kenya.

“I have seen those saying this is betrayal in the city, acha niwaulize, how can unity, equity, inclusivity and bringing Kenyans, how can addressing youth issues be betrayal?” she posed.

“Sisi tulikua tumemwambia baba kama kiongozi wetu kua akisema tuende left tutaenda akisema tuende right tunaenda, na jana alitupea mwelekeo, akasema ya kwamba tuingie katika ile broad based arrangement na tupeane support kwa serikali ya William Ruto na his si kwa sabbat baba anataka kitu au president anataka kitu; ni kwa sababu Kenya ni yetu sote na jukumu ya kuunganisha Kenya ni yetu sis sote, kwa hivyo sis tunaunga mono juhudi ya baba na president kuunganisha Kenya, walete kenya pamoja, wakenya wote wawe ndani na hakuna ata moja awachwe nyuma.”

Wanga’s comments follow after critics including Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed the pact insisting that it was betrayal to Kenyans.

In his statement after the event, Kalonzo insinuated that Raila was joining forces with Ruto for his own selfish interests and comfort, assuring his supporters that the People’s coalition would never betray them.

“What has come out of KICC today is the biggest betrayal of Kenyans. The People’s Loyal Coalition will never betray Kenyans for temporary comfort,” Kalonzo said.

While insisting that the pact will be rejected by the people due to past encounters with the Kenya Kwanza policies, Kalonzo added that Raila would be betraying Kenyans, should he fail to advocate for key issues initially raised, including the compensation of Kenyans killed and injured during the Finance Bill protests.

“If out of what they are signing at KICC, they do not come with a formula on how to address the injustice meted on Kenyans on June 25 and 2023 that will be betrayal in the city. Handshake or no handshake, Ruto must go.”