At a media conference held Thursday at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Command Center, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition vehemently criticized President William Ruto’s administration for its attempts to undermine multi-party democracy and weaken the opposition.
In a statement delivered by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, the Coalition denounced Ruto’s recent nomination of top leadership from one of its constituent parties, ODM, to his Cabinet. “This move seeks to destroy multi-party democracy and gain undue control over Parliament,” the statement read.
The Coalition accused Ruto of silencing the opposition both within and outside Parliament. They argued that his actions violate the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and disregard the principles outlined in the bi-partisan National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, which was crafted over a year ago at Bomas of Kenya.
The Coalition leaders rejected the proposed Broad-Based Government of National Unity, labeling it a betrayal to Kenyans, particularly the younger generation who have protested for good governance. They also criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for its response to recent demonstrations, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. They called for accountability, demanding the arrest and prosecution of officers involved in violence against protesters.
“The 60 young Kenyans who were killed and the hundreds injured during these demonstrations were victims of unlawful police violence. Any individual joining Ruto’s Cabinet endorses this violence,” the statement emphasized.
The Coalition urged Kenyans to continue advocating for good governance, asserting that Azimio will remain a staunch defender of the people’s rights. They praised Raila Odinga’s leadership and wished him success in his upcoming bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka will continue to lead the Coalition as Odinga focuses on his AUC campaign.
In response to speculation about a potential government position, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka dismissed suggestions that he might be appointed Attorney General, calling it “political suicide.”
Musyoka also clarified that ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya, who briefly attended the meeting, had not expressed reluctance to join the government.
Oparanya was not available for comment at the time.