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On Monday, July 29, 2024, Peter Munya, the leader of the Party of National Unity (PNU), announced that his party is planning to exit the Azimio la Umoja Coalition.
This decision comes just days after Narc Kenya, led by Martha Karua, also decided to leave Azimio.
Munya's statement reflects the party's dissatisfaction with recent developments, particularly the appointment of some ODM members to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
Peter Munya addressed the media to explain the reasons behind PNU's decision. He emphasized that the current situation is making it increasingly difficult for ODM, which is led by Raila Odinga, to function effectively as both a member of the government and a part of the opposition.
Munya believes that this dual role is problematic and is forcing PNU to reconsider its place in the coalition.
Munya pointed out that the frustration within PNU stems from the fact that several ODM-affiliated members have been given positions in Ruto's government.
According to Munya, if ODM members are joining the government, then the party is no longer purely in opposition.
"If ODM is now part of the government, they cannot simultaneously be in opposition," Munya said. He argued that PNU, which wishes to remain in opposition, needs to distance itself from Azimio to effectively continue its role.
Munya also made it clear that even if PNU were offered a position in the government, he would refuse it.
He stated that he cannot be part of a government that is facing significant criticism. Munya’s stance shows the deep divisions within the coalition and highlights the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining a unified front while navigating complex political dynamic.
The decision by PNU to leave Azimio is a significant development in Kenya's political landscape. It follows closely on the heels of Narc Kenya's exit.
On July 26, 2024, Narc Kenya sent a brief notice to Junet Mohamed, the secretary-general of Azimio La Umoja, stating that the party was resigning from the coalition due to "ongoing political developments."
Narc Kenya, which was a founding member of Azimio, had played a key role in the coalition, especially during the 2022 presidential elections when Karua ran for vice president alongside Raila Odinga.
Martha Karua’s departure from Azimio was a notable shift in the coalition’s dynamics. As a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, Karua’s exit has added to the growing list of changes within the coalition.
She had been a significant player in Azimio, and her departure signals potential realignments and shifts in political alliances.
The coalition, which was formed to bring together opposition forces against the ruling Kenya Kwanza government, is now facing internal challenges.
The presence of ODM members in the government has created a situation where the lines between government and opposition are blurred.
The PNU leader's remarks underline the difficulty of balancing political alliances and roles. Munya’s decision to distance PNU from Azimio is a strategic move aimed at preserving the party’s identity and role in the opposition.
By separating from the coalition, PNU hopes to continue its advocacy for the rights of Kenyans and maintain its stance against the government.
This political maneuvering is part of a larger trend in Kenya’s politics, where parties frequently shift alliances and re-evaluate their positions based on evolving circumstances.
The recent changes within Azimio are indicative of the fluid nature of political alignments in the country. As political leaders adjust their strategies, the landscape is likely to continue shifting.
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