ODM’s Future in Azimio at Stake as Affiliate Parties Seek Expulsion
Breaking News: Azimio La Umoja Faces Major Rift as Affiliate Parties Demand ODM’s Expulsion
In a dramatic turn of events, parties allied with the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition have called for the expulsion of the ODM Party, helmed by Raila Odinga, from their alliance. The call comes amid accusations of ODM’s collaboration with the government, which these parties claim undermines the coalition’s fundamental opposition stance.
The parties—PNU, Jubilee, and DAP-K—have collectively urged the coalition’s chair, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, to organize an urgent meeting within the next 14 days to deliberate on the coalition’s future.
They seek to explore restructuring options that would enhance the coalition’s capacity to effectively oversee the Kenya Kwanza administration. Leaders Peter Munya of PNU, Eugene Wamalwa of DAP-K, and Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee’s Secretary General, have accused ODM of betraying the opposition’s cause, which contradicts the principles enshrined in the 2010 constitution.
“We are not against individuals holding positions, but exploiting people’s struggles for personal benefit is intolerable,” declared Munya. “A formal meeting is essential to resolve this ambiguity, ensuring everyone is aligned on the coalition’s direction. Those inclined to join the government should do so formally. This is the restructuring we advocate,” he added, emphasizing the urgency of the proposed meeting.
Eugene Wamalwa highlighted that Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairmanship necessitates a reevaluation of the coalition’s leadership structure. “We will hold a formal meeting to address the current disarray within our coalition.
With one partner joining the government while remaining in opposition, and Raila Odinga now cleared to vie for the AUC Chairmanship, leadership changes within the coalition are inevitable,” he stated. “We are in the process of formalizing these changes.”
The leaders warned that if ODM fails to clarify its political position, they are prepared to break away from the coalition and start afresh.
This call for ODM’s removal follows President William Ruto’s nomination of four ODM leaders for cabinet positions: ODM Chair and Nominated MP John Mbadi (Treasury), Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs Development). President Ruto’s inclusion of these opposition figures is seen as part of his broader strategy for inclusivity in his administration.
President Ruto defended his decision to include opposition leaders in his cabinet, stating that this restructuring has enabled a reassessment of his priorities and fostered greater inclusivity within his government.
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ODM’s Future in Azimio at Stake as Affiliate Parties Seek Expulsion
