Azimio Coalition New plan to kick out Raila.
Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition is currently undergoing a significant leadership shake-up following the recent nominations of key ODM allies to President William Ruto’s Cabinet. This development has led to calls within the coalition to replace Raila Odinga, who is also running for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship in February 2025.
Key figures in the coalition are advocating for a major reorganization of leadership. Azimio are urging former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition’s chairperson, to convene an urgent meeting to address these changes. This push is spearheaded by Wiper Democratic Movement’s Kalonzo Musyoka. Also Party of National Unity’s Peter Munya, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni. However, Siaya Governor James Orengo, an ally of Odinga, opposes this move. Orengo argues that ODM, being the largest party in the coalition, should retain leadership roles. He insists that if Odinga wins the AUC position, his successor should come from ODM. This aims to reflect the party’s significant role.
Orengo’s position complicates the potential leadership transition to figures like Kalonzo Musyoka. At a recent event, Orengo stressed that the leadership succession must align with Azimio internal rules and the distribution of strength among the parties, as outlined in the coalition’s standing orders and applicable parliamentary rules.
This internal conflict has further strained coalition relationships. Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua has indicated her intention to leave Azimio due to these political shifts. Meanwhile, Kalonzo Musyoka has declared himself the new coalition leader and is preparing to challenge Ruto in the next election. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said that, ODM has not received any information about planned retreat discussions.
The inclusion of Odinga’s ODM allies, such as Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, in President Ruto’s Cabinet have prompted calls for reorganization. Wamalwa and Munya are pushing for a formal meeting to clarify the coalition’s future direction and address these leadership transitions.
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