Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaks to the media at the Kenya School of Government on Friday, July 19, 2024. IMAGE: Screengrab
In Summary:
1) Kalonzo Musyoka states that joining the national unity government would betray Gen Z and millennials.
2) Azimio la Umoja coalition will only consider participating in a new government if it is formed through a national convention.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has firmly rejected the idea of joining the proposed broad-based government that President William Ruto plans to unveil.
In a press briefing on Friday, Azimio principal Kalonzo Musyoka emphasized that participating in such a government would betray the younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials.
“We shall not participate in or support the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity. This is a betrayal of the Kenyan people, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who have paid the ultimate price,” Kalonzo stated.
He reaffirmed Azimio’s commitment to stand with the people of Kenya against the Kenya Kwanza regime.
Kalonzo criticized the impending reorganization of the Cabinet as merely cosmetic, asserting that as long as the Kenya Kwanza regime remains in place, there will be no substantial changes.
He insisted that Azimio would only agree to join a new government if it is formed through a national convention.
Speaking at the Kenya School of Government during the Pan African Youth Convention, Kalonzo explained that the decision not to participate in the proposed unity government was made during National Executive Council meetings of the Wiper Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, DAP-Kenya Party, Party of National Unity (PNU), and Narc-Kenya.
He also mentioned that ODM had a parliamentary group meeting at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, reinforcing Azimio’s unified stance.
Kalonzo addressed reports of discord within the opposition coalition, specifically rumors that ODM leader Raila Odinga was open to joining the national unity government.
Kalonzo dismissed these reports, asserting that “Azimio is united.” He reiterated that any engagement with the proposed unity government would only be considered following a national convention.
“Following that convention then there can be engagement with regard to interim arrangements of a government of national unity,” he said.
Kalonzo made it clear that any Azimio member choosing to join the proposed Kenya Kwanza-led government would be doing so in their personal capacity, not on behalf of the coalition.