Kalonzo Warns Kenya Kwanza: Don’t Silence Raila Odinga with AU Job
Leaders from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, spearheaded by Kalonzo Musyoka, are urging Kenya’s Kwanza coalition to cease pressuring Raila Odinga over his pursuit of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Musyoka, also the Wiper party leader, accused ruling coalition politicians of manipulating their backing for Odinga’s ambitions by demanding he stay away from discussing local politics.
The former vice president believes Odinga should freely speak about the challenges Kenyans face and matters of local politics.
“We’ve heard Kenya Kwanza leaders criticizing Odinga for his remarks in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. His pursuit of the AUC chairmanship shouldn’t be compromised by his involvement in local issues,” he stated.
Last week, Odinga criticized President William Ruto for failing to address disasters like the recent floods.
Speaking in Mukuru Kwa Reuben during a food distribution event, Odinga said President Ruto would still disappoint Kenyans even if he were granted two terms.
Odinga condemned the government’s decision to demolish homes in slums without providing alternatives for residents.
“If relocation is necessary, the government should first provide housing before evicting people and demolishing homes. Citizens are not animals; their dignity must be respected,” Odinga asserted.
For the first time in months, Odinga, who has been supported by the state in his AUC chairmanship bid, criticized the current government’s handling of the floods that have claimed 228 lives and displaced thousands.
Musyoka defended Odinga, emphasizing that he was speaking as the Azimio coalition leader.
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“He (Odinga) can’t be silenced on national issues and matters of national pride, even with state support,” Musyoka said during a church service in Mombasa on Friday night.
Musyoka reiterated that Odinga would continue as Azimio leader until he secures the AUC chairmanship.
He noted the Azimio coalition would begin its succession process once Odinga leaves local politics.
Musyoka called on Kenya Kwanza leaders to focus on the national dialogue report.
Azimio co-principal Eugene Wamalwa pledged that opposition leaders would continue to work towards freeing Kenyans from oppression.
Odinga is one of the candidates for the top AU position, alongside Djibouti’s foreign minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Somalia’s former foreign minister, Fawzia Yusuf Adam.
Wamalwa also urged President Ruto to declare the floods a national disaster to facilitate international aid.
“We’ve lost over 200 lives and thousands have been affected by the floods. Declaring this a national disaster would attract support from international and local partners to assist those impacted,” Wamalwa stated.
Kalonzo Warns Kenya Kwanza: Don’t Silence Raila Odinga with AU Job