The Azimio la Umoja coalition is experiencing significant internal strife as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has raised serious objections to the ODM party’s handling of leadership positions in the National Assembly.
The core of the conflict revolves around ODM’s decision to retain Junet Mohamed as the minority leader, a move Kalonzo believes undermines the coalition's unity and fairness.
Kalonzo’s dissatisfaction with ODM’s choices became clear when he publicly criticized the party’s decision to keep Mohamed in the minority leader role.
According to Kalonzo, this position should not be held by ODM, which he feels already has enough influence and power within the coalition.
Instead, Kalonzo argues that the role should be filled by a member from another party within the Azimio coalition, thereby ensuring a more balanced representation.
The controversy surrounding the minority leader position is just one part of a larger debate within Azimio. Kalonzo proposed that Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, who currently serves as the deputy minority leader, should take over the role previously held by Opiyo Wandayi.
Wandayi has been nominated for a Cabinet position, leaving the minority leader spot open. Kalonzo emphasized that Mbui, who has worked closely with Wandayi, would be a suitable replacement.
“We have someone like Robert Mbui who was working with Opiyo Wandayi, who has been proposed for a Cabinet post. So we are going to meet as Azimio and have a retreat and we are going to discuss all these things and give some very clear directions.”
Kalonzo’s proposal to replace Mohamed with Mbui reflects a broader concern about the balance of power within Azimio.
He believes that ODM’s dominance in holding key positions, including the minority leader role, is problematic and needs to be addressed.
Kalonzo suggested that other Azimio-affiliated parties should be given the chance to fill these positions to ensure a more equitable distribution of power.
His comments indicate a desire for a more collaborative approach within the coalition, where no single party holds excessive influence.
Adding to the internal discord, Kalonzo also voiced his opposition to the idea of engaging in a national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza government.
This stance has further highlighted the fractures within the Azimio coalition as leaders grapple with differing views on how to approach national issues.
Kalonzo’s resistance to national dialogue suggests a deepening rift between Azimio’s leadership and the Kenya Kwanza administration, complicating efforts to achieve political consensus.
The timing of Kalonzo’s criticisms also intersects with recent developments in Kenyan politics. Earlier, Kalonzo claimed that ODM chief Raila Odinga was unhappy with President William Ruto’s decision to include ODM members in his Cabinet.
According to Kalonzo, Raila had requested that Ruto delay the Cabinet announcement until his return, but Ruto proceeded with the appointments regardless.
This situation has added another layer of tension within the Azimio coalition, as Raila’s frustrations with the Cabinet decisions reflect broader disagreements about political strategy and representation.
Kalonzo’s remarks about Raila’s dissatisfaction with Ruto’s Cabinet appointments further illustrate the internal conflicts facing Azimio.
Kalonzo’s warning that Raila should not expect a national dialogue or convention suggests a growing disillusionment with the prospects of such discussions.
This sentiment may signal a shift in Azimio’s approach to political negotiations and alliances, as leaders like Kalonzo seek to assert their positions and influence.
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