Former Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta is anticipated to convene a meeting with member parties of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, following increasing tensions within the opposition coalition.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka announced this development, underscoring the urgency for the coalition’s leadership to address the internal challenges that have emerged, particularly in light of recent political shifts.
As the chairperson of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, Mr. Kenyatta is expected to take decisive action to bring unity and order within the coalition, which has been experiencing turbulence since the formation of the broad-based government.
“We expect retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, who doubles as the Azimio la Umoja chairperson, to convene a meeting so we can openly discuss the issues rocking the coalition,” Mr. Musyoka stated.
The coalition has faced significant strain since Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party began working closely with President William Ruto.
This unexpected alliance, which included the appointment of ODM leaders to cabinet positions, has led to growing unease and perceptions that the coalition is at risk of disintegration.
The upcoming meeting with Mr. Kenyatta is seen as a critical moment for the survival of the coalition. It comes amid concerns over Mr. Odinga’s perceived alignment with the Kenya Kwanza government, a development that some fear could further weaken Azimio la Umoja.
Martha Karua, leader of the Narc-Kenya party, has already threatened to exit the coalition due to the ongoing tensions, particularly following President Ruto’s nomination of ODM leaders as Cabinet Secretaries.
This move has intensified divisions within Azimio la Umoja, leading to fears of an imminent collapse.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Musyoka expressed confidence in the resilience of the coalition, stating that internal disagreements are a normal part of political alliances.
“It is never easy to manage coalitions. Azimio la Umoja is not exempt from things like those. But when they happen, they actually provide us with an opportunity for further engagement,” he said.
Mr Musyoka added, “Anything is possible. And going forward, we are not excluding any possibility. We are ready also for any challenge,” indicating that the coalition’s future remains uncertain.
Mr. Musyoka made these remarks on August 15, during the Oslo Center Africa Youth Forum.
During the forum, he addressed the youth-led anti-government protests, praising their success and advocating for greater youth inclusion in national dialogue. He also called for justice for the victims of these protests.
The conference, held under the theme “Breaking Barriers Through Intergenerational Dialogue,” brought together passionate youth advocates, seasoned statesmen, and experts from across the continent to discuss the challenges facing young people in Africa and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development.
Finn Jarle Rode, the Executive Chair of the Oslo Center, urged the delegates to “be counted as agents of positive change in these challenging times and dynamics.”
He added, “This is just a beginning. Together with you, we will organize more engagement and dialogue, with a special focus on youth, sustainable development, peace, and good governance for a better future and a just world.”
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