Summary:
Azimio leaders, including Raila Odinga, opted to skip this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, marking the fourth consecutive national event they have avoided. The move is seen as a result of ongoing political tensions, with the opposition criticizing President William Ruto’s policies and engaging in legal battles against them. Raila, in particular, has taken a strong stance against Ruto’s economic measures, challenging them in court.
Speculation arises as key Azimio leaders, critical of President William Ruto’s policies, conspicuously absent from this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, continuing a trend of opposition luminaries snubbing national events. The opposition’s blistering critique of Ruto’s administration and ongoing legal battles could be behind their decision to stay away.
Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, posted on LinkedIn, expressing concern over the country’s direction under Ruto. He highlighted issues such as a child going to court over KCPE marks, workers taking home only a third of their salaries due to taxes, and termed Ruto’s economic policies as draconian and insensitive.
While Martha Karua kept a low profile, Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of Wiper, issued a message emphasizing the need to cherish the liberty fought for by the nation’s founding fathers. The opposition luminaries attended a church service in Mombasa on Sunday but avoided the national celebrations.
Raila has resorted to court action to challenge Ruto’s economic policies, adding to the political tension. The snub follows the National Dialogue Committee’s report, proposing radical amendments to laws and the Constitution, a result of bipartisan talks between Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza government.
This marks the fourth consecutive time Azimio leaders have missed national celebrations, having previously skipped Mashujaa Day and Madaraka Day. The absence during Ruto’s national day celebrations reflects ongoing political discord.
Ruto’s leadership has seen opposition leaders consistently missing national events, with Raila skipping Jamhuri Day in 2022 and leaving the country before Mashujaa Day. As Ruto marks his fifth National Day celebration since taking office, opposition leaders’ absence underscores the deep-rooted political divisions.
During Mashujaa Day, Musyoka expressed optimism for the next decade, emphasizing the importance of every Kenyan’s vote and acknowledging the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence. As political tensions persist, the opposition’s decision to forego national celebrations speaks to a larger narrative of discord and dissent.