"I'll be a Witness" Ex-Azimio Chief Agent Backs Standard as Junet Sues Newspaper Over ‘Traitor’ Tag

Former Azimio chief agent during the 2022 General Election, Saitabao Ole Kanchory, has escalated political tensions after publicly backing the Standard Group following a lawsuit filed by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

Junet moved to court after the Standard ran a story on Tuesday describing him as a “traitor,” a label that has stirred controversy within the ODM party and beyond.

The publication portrayed the MP as a long-serving political operative now facing internal backlash, including comparisons to Judas Iscariot, amid growing unease within ODM ranks.

Reacting on X, Kanchory strongly defended the newspaper and dismissed Junet’s defamation claims.

He argued that the MP, rather than the media house, owes Kenyans an apology over the outcome of the 2022 presidential election, which Raila Odinga lost for the fifth time.

“Junet Iscariot is the one who owes Kenyans a public apology for the millions of hearts he broke,” Kanchory wrote, claiming that some supporters suffered severe emotional distress after the election loss.

He further stated that Junet was in no moral position to threaten legal action, accusing him of previously using harsh language against others in political debates.

Kanchory went a step further, saying he was ready to testify in court in support of the Standard Group should the case proceed to a full hearing.

He warned that Junet’s legal challenge could backfire, suggesting that court proceedings may reopen painful questions about the conduct of the 2022 campaign.

Junet Mohamed has recently been under intense scrutiny, with allegations circulating that he played a role in Raila Odinga’s defeat.

He has also faced claims of misappropriating funds meant for Azimio polling agents, accusations he has not publicly addressed in detail.