Former President Uhuru Kenyatta To Make A Political Comeback To Save Azimio Amid Coalition Exodus

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is returning to politics in an effort to keep the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition from collapsing entirely.

The Report reveals Kenyatta is planning a critical meeting with the coalition’s affiliate parties to address the crisis that has gripped the opposition in recent weeks.

Tensions in Azimio rose after some Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members, led by Raila Odinga, were appointed to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.

This move has sparked discontent among other coalition parties, resulting in rumors of betrayal and plans to leave the alliance.

The once-powerful opposition coalition is now on the verge of collapse.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka acknowledged the impending storm, admitting that there were issues within Azimio.

However, he quickly downplayed the gravity of the situation, blaming the friction on the democratic process.

“Political parties often have divergent views, and Azimio is no exception,” Musyoka stated on Thursday during the Africa Youth Forum 2024 in Nairobi.

He emphasized that the coalition was not on its deathbed, despite mounting internal pressure.

Musyoka revealed that Uhuru Kenyatta, the chairman of the Azimio Council, the coalition’s highest decision-making body, would soon convene a meeting to discuss the issues causing division.

This meeting is viewed as a last-ditch effort to restore unity and prevent the coalition from dissolving.

“We need to talk openly and comprehensively,” Musyoka added, indicating that the talks would aim to iron out differences that have plagued the coalition.

The internal conflict within Azimio became public when Raila Odinga, the coalition’s leader, hinted that Uhuru Kenyatta had pushed him to reconcile with President William Ruto.

Odinga’s remarks followed criticism from supporters who accused him of betraying the opposition’s cause.

Odinga clarified that there was no “handshake” between him and Ruto, but rather a need to maintain national unity amid intense anti-government protests.

Odinga defended the decision to engage with Ruto, stating, “When the country was burning, Uhuru called and told me to look for Ruto and speak to him; if the country burns, we won’t have another.”

Despite Odinga’s efforts to contain the backlash, the consequences have been evident.

Martha Karua, Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 presidential election, has already announced plans to withdraw her Narc-Kenya party from the coalition.

In a letter dated July 25, Karua informed Azimio of her party’s decision, citing untenable political developments as the reason for the departure.

The ripple effect has been felt throughout the coalition, with Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa hinting at a possible departure.

Wamalwa suggested this week that his party could soon follow Narc-Kenya’s lead, further fragmenting the coalition.

The Party of National Unity (PNU) has also indicated its intention to leave Azimio, adding to the growing sense of uncertainty.

Kalonzo Musyoka remains optimistic that the upcoming meeting, chaired by Uhuru Kenyatta, will provide a forum to address the concerns of all parties involved.

However, the stakes are high, and Azimio la Umoja’s future is uncertain.

The coalition, which once served as a unified opposition force, now faces the very real possibility of disintegration.

Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended a Jubilee Party meeting.