Azimio Coalition Faces Crossroads as Key Leaders Consider New Political Paths Without Raila
Affiliates of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition are currently assessing different strategies for a new political direction, considering the potential departure of Mr. Raila Odinga, who is preparing to align with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Leaders such as Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc’s Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa from the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), and the Jubilee Party linked with former President Uhuru Kenyatta are reportedly deliberating the formation of a new coalition or possibly returning to the One Kenya Alliance (OKA).
Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni have conducted several urgent meetings to evaluate the political ramifications of the potential withdrawal of Mr. Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from Azimio.
On July 19, Kalonzo Musyoka declared that he and other remaining Azimio members would not be joining the government.
“We will not be participating in or endorsing the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This move betrays the Kenyan people, especially Gen Z and millennials, who have sacrificed to end the Kenya Kwanza administration’s mismanagement, harsh taxes (Finance Bill 2023/2024), corruption, tribalism, unemployment, and the persistently high cost of living,” Musyoka stated in a press release.
“We will not join the government because such actions betray the principles, values, and core beliefs of our coalition and its constituent parties. As long as the Kenya Kwanza administration remains in power, there will be no real change. A mere reshuffling of Cabinet positions and officeholders will only be superficial,” he added.
He indicated that any coalition member opting to join the government would be doing so on an individual basis.
ALSO READ:
- Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
- Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
- African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
- “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
- Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm
“Finally, we reaffirm our position that in choosing between supporting Gen Z and the Kenyan people versus the Kenya Kwanza regime, the choice is clear. We will always stand with the people of Kenya,” Musyoka affirmed.
Some members of the Wiper party’s county assemblies have urged Musyoka to withdraw from Azimio if ODM continues its push to join the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Jeremiah Kioni mentioned to the Nation that another meeting was scheduled to follow Thursday’s gathering in Nairobi.
Musyoka and other opposition figures were removed from a coalition event at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation after disagreements over Mr. Odinga’s plan to join President Ruto in forming a “broad-based” government.
“ODM has often found convenient ways to exit coalition agreements. I believe there will be another coalition emerging by 2027,” commented Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. “Raila was never going to support Kalonzo in 2027. This is just a late indication.”
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo suggested that they might revive OKA, which initially included Musyoka, Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress, and Gideon Moi of Kanu.
“If Raila wants to leave, he is free to do so. His joining the government will not prevent others from forging a new political path,” Maanzo said.
DAP-K Secretary-General Eseli Simiyu noted that the current political turmoil could lead to the formation of a new coalition.
“If ODM exits, it could signal the end of Azimio. Politics is fluid, and such a collapse could pave the way for a new coalition,” Simiyu said.
ODM National Chairman John Mbadi mentioned that coalition partners might be forced to sever ties if their political differences cannot be resolved.
Azimio Coalition Faces Crossroads as Key Leaders Consider New Political Paths Without Raila
