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Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party communication Director Philip Etale has defended the party leader Raila Odinga amid a looming rift in the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition.

In a statement shared on his official X account, on Friday, July 19, 2024, Etale justified Raila’s involvement in the planned national dialogue with the Kenya Kwanza administration scheduled for next week.

Etale says the Azimio coalition leader has always stood for the truth, fairness, equity and liability in society adding that Raila has consistently advocated for good governance for the people and by the people of Kenya.

“Raila Odinga has always stood for the truth, a just society and good governance for the people and by the people of Kenya,” he said

Raila Odinga has always stood for the truth, a JUST society and good governance for the people and by the people of Kenya.

— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) July 19, 2024

Split in Azimio

Etale sentiments come after a sharp division emerged within the coalition over whether Raila should be part of the planned National Multi-Sectoral Forum.

Leaders of the subsidiary parties within the coalition have opposed the idea of engaging in dialogue with President William Ruto’s government terming it unwise.

On July 18, 2024, a section of the coalition members led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), Martha Karua of Narc Kenya and Charity Ngilu among others convened a meeting in the absence of Raila.

The leaders have been vocal in their resistance to the planned proposed national dialogue call by Ruto and Raila.

Definitely not boarding pic.twitter.com/HU7Nxlb6px

— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) July 18, 2024

However, the ODM party leader insisted that the talk was not about Ruto personally but it’s for the benefit of the Kenyan citizens.

“Our call for dialogue is about reforms in the judiciary, the police service, parliament to go home because Kenyans have no confidence in it, it is not about positions,” Raila said.

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