No quit option for Kalonzo in Azimio La Umoja
A new revelation by the coalition deal signed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka now reveals that the Ukambani kingpin is stuck in Azimio La Umoja.
Leaders allied to Kalonzo yesterday put the politicians in the Raila Odinga-led coalition on alert, stating that they would not be held hostage and the flawed agreement signed by Kalonzo could be violated anytime, pointing out that Wiper can move wherever, whenever.
“Any party may withdraw from this coalition agreement upon giving 90 days’ notice to the coalition council of its intention to withdraw from the coalition party,” reads the first section.
The second adds: “No party may withdraw from the coalition six months before the August 2022 General Election or within three months after the said General Election.”
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua opined the agreement indicated that the signing was to be done on February 9, and the coalition party had not been registered by then.
“Has Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party been registered? How can you exit from something which has not been registered? We have written a letter saying that it cannot be registered.”
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior believed that the amendment to the Political Parties Act provides that a coalition political party is registered 120 days before the elections; hence, the six-month timeline imposed in the coalition agreement violates the law.
The notice of registration of the coalition party was published yesterday. Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu said Wiper’s protest letter was yet to be presented to her.
“We are not short of options in Wiper. We will not be coaxed into doing things we don’t believe in,” Wambua said.
However, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna insisted Wiper is stuck with the coalition party.
There is no window for one to go back; we will resolve the matter internally.” Another lawyer, Martin Oloo, said: “The Wiper leaders should have read the document before signing. If they opt-out now, they will have to face the consequences.”
