By Mwibanda.
In a dramatic development that could shake the foundations of Kenya’s main opposition coalition, Azimio leaders have demanded that ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta convenes a meeting within 14 days to expel Raila Odinga from the helm of the coalition.
This move follows Raila’s recent engagement with President William Ruto, which has raised eyebrows about his position in the opposition while cohabiting with the government of the day.
The call to eject Raila emanates from senior figures within Azimio coalition wh include Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Peter Munya (PNU), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and Jeremiah Kioni (Jubilee).
The opposition leaders argue that it is no longer feasible for Raila, and his party ODM, to remain part of the coalition given his ongoing collaboration with the Ruto administration.
According to Peter Munya, the coalition is seeking to restructure itself ahead of the next general election.
“Those who want to join the government should do so formally. This is the restructuring we are advocating for,” Munya said.
He further emphasized that the coalition should not be a “halfway house” for individuals with divided loyalties, particularly pointing out Raila’s dealings with the government.
The tension within Azimio is partly attributed to recent developments where President Ruto appointed several ODM leaders to key government positions, signaling Raila’s tacit cooperation with the current administration.
Key ODM figures such as Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy CS) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs CS) were nominated for Cabinet roles, alongside other ODM leaders like John Mbadi (National Treasury CS) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy CS).
Kalonzo Musyoka revealed that the coalition is planning a retreat to take a clear position on Raila’s collaboration with Ruto, as well as discuss ODM’s internal leadership changes.
This includes concerns about ODM unilaterally deciding on the leadership of the coalition’s parliamentary group, without consulting the other coalition partners.
Kalonzo, who has long positioned himself as a leading figure in the opposition, stressed that the coalition’s leadership should be a collective decision, not one dictated by any single party.
The debate over Raila’s leadership comes at a time when there is speculation that the ODM leader may shift his focus to continental matters as he engages a high gear to take the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).
As Kalonzo put it, “You cannot be one leg here and another leg there. People need clarity.”Wamalwa said.
Eugene Wamalwa also weighed in, stating that Raila’s dual role as both a leader in the opposition and a figure involved in government dealings is untenable.
“He cannot both be the chair of the AU and remain leader of Azimio and even leader of ODM,” Wamalwa argued.
Jeremiah Kioni, a key ally of Uhuru Kenyatta within the coalition, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Raila’s continued presence in the opposition is no longer sustainable.
“You are a leader of a party in opposition, and you are a leader of a party in government. That is not tenable,” Kioni said, stressing the need for the coalition to remain focused on its role as the primary opposition to the Ruto administration.
As tensions within Azimio escalate, all eyes are on Uhuru Kenyatta, who, as Azimio council chairman, holds significant influence over the direction of the coalition.
His response to the demand for a leadership change could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the opposition in Kenya.
The 14-day deadline set by the Azimio principals is expected to commence a crucial discussion on the future of the coalition and its leadership dynamics.
How this internal crisis unfolds will likely shape the political landscape leading up to the next general election.
Ends.
