Rift in Azimio as Nairobi MCA tells off Raila on anti-government rallies

A rift has emerged in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition over the planned anti-government rallies.

The Kitisuru ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Alvin Olando Palapala elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket has distanced himself from ODM’s party leader Raila Odinga’s plans and strategy of holding anti-government rallies protesting the governance of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza led government.

The MCA, who was elected for the third time on the ODM ticket, said the political campaigns period was over and it was now time for the elected leaders to serve wananchi instead of holding meaningless rallies.

“It’s time to get down to work and deliver on our pledges to the electorate that voted us in. We were elected to serve our people not to hold rallies,” he said.

Palapala said instead of Kenyans being encouraged to work, their time is being wasted on being called to attend rallies an exercise that will not put food on their tables but contribute to their poverty situation.

Palapala, who is the chairman of planning at the Nairobi County Assembly courtesy of Azimio, said he will not attend such meetings aimed at destabilising the Ruto administration.

True to his words Alvin, who is warming up to join ANC and contest for the Wetlands parliamentary seat in 2027, did not attend the Kamukunji rally and the meetings held by Raila for grassroot leaders at Jaramogi Oginga Centre.

“How can you say you don’t recognise Ruto as president yet he was elected by the people. Raila should be talking about the high cost of living, the sudden rise in school fees, and such things rather than giving us old tired stories of abunuwasi and paukwa pakawa. Enough is enough,” said Palapala.

Palapala called on the opposition leader to use various media platforms in keeping Ruto’s government on its toes and also pass his messages instead of picketing.

“Kenyans are hungry and are affected by the high cost of living and instead of being encouraged to work hard or being offered solutions on how they can make more money want to be subjected to time-wasting antics of attending rallies that will not add value to their lives,” he said.

Alvin is warming up to join Kenya Kwanza through ANC and has shown interest to vie for the Westlands parliamentary seat.