Former Governor Dumps Azimio As Deadline For Mass Action Nears
Lonyangapuo told the coalition led by Raila Odinga to forget about their political marriage
Marvin Chege 
Kenya Union Party (KUP) party leader and former West Pokot Governor, John Lonyangapuo has announced that his party has declared its intention to leave the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance.
Speaking on Thursday, March 2 during a meeting, Lonyangapuo told the coalition led by Raila Odinga to forget about their political marriage as it severed all links with the opposition coalition.
The former county boss added that the contract between KUP and Azimio came to an end after the opposition started “engaging in things that might plunge the country into chaos.”
Raila Odinga and West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo during Azimio la Umoja rally in Ortum in April 2022. /FILE
“Our contract with Azimio ended after seeing them going in a different direction, creating tension in the country. People are sleeping hungry, there is drought and there is insecurity and we don’t want sideshows,” stated Prof Lonyangapuo.
He criticised the anti-Kenya Kwanza government rallies and demonstrations, urging Kenyans to keep off them, further accusing the former Prime Minister of using them to force President William Ruto into a handshake deal.
“Azimio coalition represents the greatest threat to democracy, the rule of law, and national cohesion in our nation’s recent history. Raila should accept and move on. Kenya is one and Kenyans are Kenya. The first priority should be Kenya and its people,” said Prof Lonyangapuo.
“We ended the elections peacefully. It adds no value, it is meaningless, and it is foolish to demonstrate now. Let people go to their farms because there is cheap fertilizer and seeds. Keep quiet and wait for five years, it is a short period."
Lonyangapuo further wondered where the rivalry between Ruto and Raila emerged from, urging the Azimio coalition to accept defeat and let the ruling government deliver on its pre-election promises to Kenyans.
“We don’t know where the enmity between Ruto and Raila came from. If we were defeated, let's accept it and move on. Even though I was to move to court to challenge the election of (Simon) Kachapin, I gave up and I’m now uniting Kenyans,” he said.
“We have no doubt in our mind that this renegade brigade only offers violence and chaos, rather than sensible and practical solutions for the needs of Kenyans. Kenyans are yearning for a transformation of their lives driven by leaders addressing the day-to-day issues of ordinary citizens, such as the plight of the millions devastated by drought and hunger, the escalating cost of living, and the limited access to opportunities and jobs for our youth."
On Wednesday, February 22, Raila issued six demands to Ruto and gave him a 14-day ultimatum before embarking on countrywide mass action.
During a prime-time interview with KTN News on Tuesday, February 28, Raila disclosed that there was room for talks between him and Ruto, despite the constant criticisms of the Kenya Kwanza government, giving him three conditions before he could agree to the talks.
"He must agree to open the server. Secondly, stop the recruitment of IEBC commissioners and the third is the issue of the cost of living in the country. Kenyans are suffering, some cannot buy bread," he demanded.
