The political landscape in Kenya has seen significant shifts in recent months, with the Azimio La Umoja coalition experiencing changes that have left some of its key members distancing themselves from the once-powerful political outfit. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a long-time ally of Raila Odinga, has provided insight into why the coalition, once seen as the primary opposition force in Kenya, is no longer using the Azimio name.
Kalonzo, in an interview on KTN, explained that the main reason for no longer identifying with the Azimio brand lies in the recent moves by key players within the coalition, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). ODM, under the leadership of Raila Odinga, has taken a more pragmatic approach in recent months, especially following Odinga’s controversial working arrangement with President William Ruto. The shift in political allegiance, where Raila Odinga has engaged in talks with the government despite leading the opposition, has left many questioning the future of Azimio.
Kalonzo revealed that parties still loyal to Azimio, like Wiper, have been cautious about using the Azimio name because of the uncertainty surrounding the coalition’s direction. He noted that ODM’s apparent focus on strengthening its position within the government, rather than with the opposition, was a clear sign of its shifting priorities. “ODM has not been talking about Azimio themselves. They are trying to strengthen their position, and now that they are one leg in government, they are a bit convoluted,” Kalonzo said. His statement sheds light on the growing divide between Azimio’s remaining members and ODM, which has sought to carve out a new identity for itself within the current administration.
The turning point came after Raila Odinga’s meeting with President William Ruto at his Ichaweri home, followed by the appointment of some of Odinga’s close allies to key government positions. These moves signaled that ODM was embracing a new reality one where cooperation with the government, rather than staunch opposition, was becoming a key focus. This development was particularly difficult for Kalonzo and other leaders within Azimio who had remained firm in their commitment to hold the government accountable.
Despite the challenges, Kalonzo emphasized that those still within the Azimio coalition remain committed to the people of Kenya. He described them as “the people’s loyal opposition,” signaling that their ultimate goal is to advocate for better governance, even if it means standing apart from ODM’s evolving role in the government. Kalonzo expressed confidence that Azimio would clarify its position in the coming year. “We will make it clear that we are the opposition, and we will hold William Ruto’s administration to full account,” he asserted. This statement foreshadows an upcoming announcement that will solidify Azimio’s role in holding the government accountable in the New Year.
Kalonzo further clarified that whether Azimio will continue as a coalition is a matter for the principals involved. He pointed out that, to date, he had not received any formal communication from Azimio’s chairperson, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, or party leader Raila Odinga about their intentions to leave the coalition. Kalonzo’s remarks underscore the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Azimio, as its leaders grapple with a rapidly changing political environment.
The situation is compounded by the fact that Kalonzo has repeatedly stated he would not work with President Ruto, even as others in Azimio have been willing to cooperate with the government. Kalonzo’s steadfast opposition to working with Ruto reflects the deep ideological divisions within the opposition, with some leaders determined to keep the government in check, while others see value in finding common ground with the ruling administration.
As Kenya heads into a new year, the political dynamics will continue to shift. Kalonzo’s declaration that Azimio will reaffirm its commitment to being the loyal opposition offers a glimpse of the direction in which the coalition may head. However, the question of whether Azimio can truly survive in its current form remains to be seen, as its leaders, including Kalonzo, will need to navigate the evolving political landscape and decide whether they can maintain unity in the face of a changing national discourse.
