President William Ruto’s close ally, Farouk Kibet, has taken a swipe at Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, accusing her of lacking respect and loyalty for failing to attend the funeral of the late Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a fiery statement that has since gone viral, Farouk did not hold back his words, criticizing Karua for snubbing the burial of the man she once stood beside as a running mate in the 2022 General Election.
“Martha Karua uko na roho chafu sana! Unakosaje matanga ya Raila Odinga na ulikuwa running mate wake? Kitu cha kushangaza ni kwamba ati ulikuwa hapa Kenya tu, sio ati ulikuwa mbali,” Farouk said, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.
Farouk’s outburst reflected the shock and disappointment expressed by many who expected Karua to be among the prominent figures mourning the ODM leader. Raila’s funeral brought together leaders from across the political divide, symbolizing his unifying legacy and influence on Kenya’s political journey.
According to Farouk, Karua’s absence painted a picture of betrayal and personal bitterness rather than statesmanship. He claimed that true friendship and leadership are tested in moments of loss, not during campaigns or political rallies.
“Mtu wa kweli hujitokeza wakati wa huzuni, sio wakati wa siasa tu,” Farouk emphasized.
However, supporters of Martha Karua have defended her, saying she may have had personal reasons for missing the funeral and that her respect for Raila Odinga cannot be judged based on attendance alone.
The exchange has reignited political debate online, with Kenyans split between those who agree with Farouk’s criticism and those who view his remarks as unnecessarily harsh.
Raila Odinga’s passing continues to evoke strong emotions nationwide, uniting allies and rivals alike in reflection on his lasting impact on Kenya’s democracy and political culture.
