Written By Lisa Murimi
On Thursday, July 25, Kalonzo Musyoka was chosen by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition to lead the political outfit, stepping in for Raila Odinga, who is campaigning for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni explained the transition, stating, “We want to thank our leader Raila Odinga who has led our coalition successfully since its formation. His quest for AUC leadership will enter a critical stage next week, and we wish him luck as he prepares to take on the continental duties.”
Kioni highlighted that Musyoka has been guiding the coalition in Odinga’s absence and will continue to do so. “Kalonzo Musyoka has continued to lead us while Raila has been out seeking the leadership of the African Union, and we continue to ask him to guide us as a coalition.”
Regarding the nomination of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to President William Ruto’s cabinet, Kioni clarified that the coalition had not approved such a move. Azimio criticized Ruto’s actions, stating that it undermined the multiparty system in Kenya and contravened the recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
“We will not take part in the proposed broad-based government of national unity as it is a betrayal of Kenyans, especially Gen Z and millennials,” Kioni stated.
The coalition condemned ODM members who accepted cabinet nominations, labeling it a betrayal to the 70 Kenyans who lost their lives during the June and July anti-government protests. “Those members who have accepted the nomination to join Ruto’s cabinet are doing so under individual capacity,” Azimio stated.
Notably, no ODM members attended the press conference, nor were any apologies issued.
