Kalonzo criticised Raila Odinga for supporting the Kenya Kwanza government. Photo: Kalonzo Musyoka/Raila Odinga.
Source: UGC
Tensions within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party have reached a boiling point, with key leaders publicly criticizing ODM leader Raila Odinga for his perceived alignment with President William Ruto's administration.
The criticism, spearheaded by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, underscores growing divisions within the coalition, particularly concerning Raila's support for the current government.
During a church service in Makongeni on Sunday, August 11, 2024, Kalonzo Musyoka did not mince words as he accused Raila Odinga of abandoning the people’s struggle by choosing to back the Kenya Kwanza administration.
This move, Kalonzo argued, represents a significant betrayal, especially to the younger generation of Kenyans, popularly referred to as "Gen Z."
The Wiper leader emphasized that Raila’s decision to align with President Ruto undermines the collective efforts of those pushing for accountability and transparency in governance.
"You are either with the Gen Zs and the people of Kenya, or with Zakayo. It is as simple as that," Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo’s message was clear: Raila cannot have it both ways. He must choose between supporting the youth and the broader Kenyan populace, or aligning with the political establishment that many feel has failed to deliver on its promises of change.
Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), echoed Kalonzo's sentiments, emphasizing that the ODM party's current position is untenable.
According to Wamalwa, a political party cannot effectively serve as both a government ally and an opposition force.
"We are here to tell you today, the Gen Zs of this county and of this country, that you are not alone, even if you feel betrayed. We stand with you. We are saying you cannot have both," Wamalwa declared.
The friction within Azimio is not new, but it has intensified recently due to disagreements over the national dialogue initiative proposed by President Ruto.
The dialogue was intended to address issues raised by the youth, who have become increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the state of the nation.
However, this initiative has instead become a flashpoint for division within Azimio. Kalonzo Musyoka’s discontent with the dialogue process was so intense that he reportedly stormed out of a recent coalition meeting, leaving Raila Odinga and a few other leaders to continue the discussions in a tense atmosphere.
These internal conflicts reveal deep-seated frustrations among some members of the coalition who feel that Raila’s recent political maneuvers betray the very principles upon which Azimio was founded.