Three factions have now emerged within the Azimio la Umoja following Wednesday’s fallout over the formation of a government of national unity.
The coalition formed more than two years ago to take over power from retired President Uhuru Kenyatta was yesterday facing its greatest test since inception with factions allied to its two principals, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka disagreeing on joining President William Ruto’s proposed broad based cabinet.
While Raila’s allies supported calls for the formation of the broad-based cabinet and expressed willingness to take up ministerial positions, those allied to Kalonzo rejected the plan outrightly.
A third faction also emerged, neither supporting joining the government nor opposing the plan, but putting forth a raft of demands that they want implemented before they decide on whether to join the government, have a national conversation or not.
Yesterday, Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, a close ally of Kalonzo told People Daily that there were no cracks in Azimio and that the botched Wednesday evening press briefing was only a matter of disagreement among some members.
Wambua (pictured) was categorical that Azimio was founded on solid political ideologies and that disrupting a press conference cannot make the opposition coalition disintegrate. “Azimio was not founded on quick sand. It cannot disintegrate because of a botched press conference. We as Azimio resolved that we are not joining the Ruto government. At most he is only remaining with not more than 40 months in office. What will we go to do in his government?” posed Wambua.
Close ally
Raila’s camp that has his Orange party Deputies Wycliff Oparanya and Hassan Joho and his close ally Suna East MP Junet Mohammed are pushing for the formation of a government of national unity.
During the Wednesday meeting, a majority of the lawmakers were upset with some of their colleagues who they accused of negotiating through the backdoor and only calling them to rubber-stamp their decision through the front door.
“Most of the MPs were upbeat that some of their colleagues have already negotiated through the backdoor. We feel that we should not support a failing regime because we will be left with an egg on our face if the people present to join the government are rejected,” said a source who sought anonymity.
