Weeks after former Prime Minister and party leader of the opposition’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, an affiliate party of the Azimio One Kenya Coalition, Raila Odinga closed ranks with president William Ruto to have his party included in the newly formed broad based government after nationwide anti-government protests, Azimio principals have disowned him.
Three parties — PNU, Jubilee and DAP-K have now backed Wiper Party leader and Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka as their new leader.
They also want ODM expunged from the Azimio coalition.
Further, they have revealed that Azimio coalition council chairman, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, has convened a meeting which will be used to discuss the coalition’s future.
If Raila’s party is successfully forced out of the opposition coalition, political pundits contend that this will set pace for Kalonzo’s candidature for presidency come 2027 as the most formidable contender to contest against president Ruto.
The Azimio co-principals now want Musyoka to take up the stewardship of the outfit after senior leaders Odinga-led ODM were appointed to Ruto’s cabinet.
They include Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho (Mining), John Mbadi (National Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs) Beatrice Askul Moe (ECA) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
Raila was co-opted into government following months of deadly nationwide protests by the youths dubbed Generation Z (Gen Zs) clamouring for accountability and good governance.
Speaking in Embu today, the team that included Musyoka, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Party’s Jeremiah Kioni affirmed they have embarked on preparing a formidable strategy to employ in the 2027 General Elections.
The team further indicated that Azimio would not fold or join the government should Raila’s bid to become the next Africa Union Commission Chairperson materialise.
“Thank you Embu Gen Z and Millennials who came out in large numbers in protest against the punitive anti-people Finance Bill, 2024. Because of your brave acts Kenya will not be the same again. We have a lot of work to do and we will do it as the official opposition.” Musyoka indicated.
Kioni also indicated that the team will continue to work without Odinga since he has defined his own path.
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni on his part accused ODM of double standards, which he argues is against the spirit of the 2010 constitution.
The former Ndaragua MP added that some leaders have continued to invoke retired President Uhuru’s name to validate themselves .
Kioni said the broad based government is meant to continue to oppress Kenyans since President Ruto has secured more people from opposition.
“I can clearly say that Raila has decided to go to AU, we wish him well, we are not going to work without him,” he stated. “We are not going to AU with Raila we shall remain here in Kenya and remain united with Kenyans to ensure that all is well.” Kioni said.
Kioni said that although some opposition figures have joined the Kenya Kwanza government, those around Kalonzo will stand up to be counted.
“We shall remain with those who are crying that the country is headed in the wrong direction, it is not in doubt where we are going because the leader of Azimio is with us here and is Kalonzo Musyoka.” Kioni added.
Kalonzo said Azimio is determined and clear about where the coalition is going, refuting claims of facing dilemmas.
They want to explore options that would better enable the coalition to oversee and keep in check the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a church service in Kirinyaga today, Musyoka said while it’s a democratic right for members to align themselves with opposition or government.
Kalonzo said the broad based government is riding on the blood of youths who died as they agitated for better governance.
On his part, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa revealed that the Azimio NEC will convene this week where they will announce to Kenyans key changes.
He said that Kenyans are now being pushed to support the Kenya Kwanza government after ODM joined the Ruto administration.
Other leaders are the church service were Githunguri MP Gathoni wa Muchomba and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
There have major cracks within the Azimio coalition after its leader Raila Odinga offered his key allies for appointment to Ruto’s cabinet.
