Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. IMAGE | Courtesy
In Summary:
1) Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka reaffirms his refusal to participate in national dialogue.
2) Earlier, Kalonzo directed his party’s MPs to reject ODM-nominated Cabinet Secretaries during vetting.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has reiterated his refusal to participate in any national conversation regarding the country’s current crisis.
This declaration came hours after a meeting with Opposition leader Raila Odinga and other Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition principals on Wednesday evening.
Kalonzo took to X to state his position, posting, “No national conversation.”
He has consistently opposed the dialogue proposed by President William Ruto, arguing that such participation would betray the Kenyan youth who have rejected the dialogue through anti-government demonstrations.
During Wednesday’s meeting convened by Raila, coalition issues were discussed. Attendees included Kalonzo, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, KANU party chairperson Gideon Moi, PNU chairperson Peter Munya, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Azimio has faced internal strife following ODM’s acceptance of Cabinet positions in President Ruto’s administration.
Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya has expressed interest in exiting the coalition.
President Ruto has nominated John Mbadi (ODM chair) for the National Treasury position, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi for Energy, and deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho for the Cooperatives and MSMEs and Mining and Blue Economy dockets, respectively.
In response, Kalonzo has instructed Wiper MPs to reject these ODM-nominated Cabinet Secretaries during the vetting process.