Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka will take over the Azimio Coalition’s leadership after co-principal Raila Odinga announced his bid for the African Union Commission’s (AUC) chairmanship on Tuesday.
According to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo, the coalition’s second most senior politician, will take over automatically, ensuring that there is no power vacuum.
“There is no vacuum in Azimio. Kalonzo is the 2nd highest ranking member. He takes over,” Wamalwa said.
“You are either with Okoa Ruto, or operation Okoa Zakayo or you are with the Kenyans, if you support the Kenyan constitution and you want it implemented, join us.”
Despite his support for Raila’s AUC chairmanship bid, Kalonzo stated that he did not attend the bid’s launch at State House to demonstrate his position as the official opposition leader.
“I’m not at State House today, because I want to show you I’m the official opposition leader,” Kalonzo told the media.
“Azimio will not dissolve.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Azimio coalition endorsed Raila’s bid, which was launched at the State House in presence of dignitaries and several African heads of state.
In a statement to the media, the coalition cited Odinga’s significant political experience, devotion to Pan-African principles, and track record of conflict resolution as key reasons for support.
Azimio la Umoja praised Odinga’s candidature as a source of pride for Kenya and the continent as a whole, and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the African Union to greater peace, stability, and prosperity.
“We are donating to Africa and the world our best and most renowned leader,” the statement said, emphasising the coalition’s belief that Odinga’s leadership would significantly contribute to Africa’s development and unity.
Four senior African politicians from Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, and Mauritius have declared their candidature for the African Union’s top post.
The pan-continental body, which has 55 member states, will hold elections at its February summit to select a successor to Moussa Faki Mahamat as chair of the African Union Commission.
This year’s role is reserved for an East African representative to replace Faki, a Chadian veteran politician who has been in office since 2017.
The African Union announced four candidates: Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, and Anil Gayan of Mauritius.
