“Definitely not boarding”: Azimio Leaders Meet without Raila Odinga to Oppose Dialogue with Govt. PHOTO: Martha Karua /X
In Summary:
1) Raila Odinga’s push for bipartisan dialogue with President William Ruto’s government faces opposition within Azimio La Umoja coalition.
2) Led by Kalonzo Musyoka, other Azimio principals argue that talks with the government will not solve governance issues.
The Azimio La Umoja coalition is experiencing internal rifts as its leaders disagree over Raila Odinga’s proposal for bipartisan dialogue with President William Ruto’s government.
Raila, the ODM party leader, believes such talks are essential to address the issues raised by the politically active youth in Kenya. However, his co-principals in the coalition strongly oppose this idea.
On July 18, key leaders from the Wiper party led by Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K under Eugene Wamalwa, the Roots Party headed by George Wajackoyah, the Jubilee Party led by Jeremiah Kioni, PNU’s Peter Munya, and Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, met without Raila to reaffirm their stance against the dialogue.
Martha Karua emphasized their position by stating, “Definitely not boarding,” and shared a photo of the meeting at an undisclosed location.
Definitely not boarding pic.twitter.com/HU7Nxlb6px
— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) July 18, 2024
Raila’s recent support for President Ruto, warning against his ouster, has further complicated the coalition’s dynamics.
He argued that removing Ruto from power could worsen the country’s situation, as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom Raila considers unfit to govern, would take over.
Raila clarified that his call for dialogue is not an attempt to collaborate with the government but a necessary step to resolve the nation’s pressing challenges.
He dismissed claims of a possible handshake with Ruto, attributing such reports to media fabrication.