President Ruto responds to Standard's 'Judas' Betrayal' headline

President William Ruto has responded to a headline in Sunday's Standard newspaper, which alluded to his recent political partnership with the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) Chief Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The Standard had written 'Judas' Betrayal' as its banner headline, an express biblical allusion to the story of Judas Iscariot.

On the page, the publication placed images of President Ruto and Raila Odinga placed on opposite sides.

While addressing congregants during a church service held on Sunday, April 20, in Ntulele, Narok County, Ruto criticized the publication, saying that those lacking spiritual understanding are now accusing him, via newspaper headlines, of committing betrayal by partnering with Raila.

"Those who preach to us that unity is betrayal, we want to tell them to go and read the Bible," said the President.

The President further emphasized that he makes no apologies for fostering national unity, expressing pride in bringing Kenyans together.

He affirmed that unity is key to the country’s progress, enables greater achievements, and invites divine favor upon the nation.

"I am happy, and I want to prophesy that Kenya will continue to be a God-fearing nation, and the gates of hell cannot overcome this nation," he added.

"Where there is unity, God commands a blessing, and that is why we are working hard to unite the people of Kenya. That is why I am proud that Raila and all our parties are working together, because in their God will truly bless our nation."

Ruto continued to justify the establishment of an inclusive, broad-based government by referencing scripture, citing verses from Genesis and Psalms that emphasize the power of unity and collective purpose.

This came in response to the Sunday, April 20, edition of the Standard newspaper, which carried the headline “Judas’ Betrayal” alongside images of President Ruto and Raila Odinga placed on opposite sides of the page.

The publication’s accompanying commentary likened Kenya’s current political situation to the biblical fall of Eden, suggesting that the country’s aspirations for justice and prosperity had been undermined by betrayal and self-interest.

"Our founding ideals,” the piece read, “have been reduced to rubble—sacrificed at the altar of political convenience, impunity, and personal ambition. Like Eden’s fall, Kenya’s decline is no accident, but a willful defiance of law, institutions, and the public trust," he said.

This isn’t the first time President William Ruto has taken issue with a Standard headline. On March 2, 2025, he publicly criticized the Mombasa-based media outlet over a front-page story that branded him a “cunning” leader.

"If you’ve read today’s Standard, the headline says Ruto is very cunning," he remarked.

"I want to tell them—I’m not as cunning as they think. It’s the grace of God that guides me. We believe in God."