Kalonzo Addresses Rumours Of Azimio Fallout After Rattling Martha Karua

Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday, January 16 dismissed rumours of a fallout with the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Raila Odinga following his online clash with NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua which excited political circles.

Speaking during the Wiper Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Kalonzo clarified that just because two Azimio principals, himself and Karua had different opinions did not mean that there was bad blood that was threatening to split the coalition into two.

"There is no such thing as Azimio La Umoja Coalition falling apart. It’s all in people’s imagination because we are committed. Differences in opinions here and there cannot be taken as problems within the coalition," he addressed.

The former Vice President also made public details regarding the whereabouts of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi after a long absence from Azimio meetings and events, remarking that Moi was still a part of Azimio.

He added that even though the KANU party leader never actively participated in any Azimio events, he was always represented, in one way or another.

“Even during the protests, he was represented by KANU Secretary General George Wainaina,” he remarked. 

Gideon Moi was part of Azimio principals who campaigned for Raila Odinga in the 2022 Presidential election. After the polls, he backed off the political space and has rarely been seen in public meetings, only visible in family and social functions.

Nonetheless, Kalonzo asserted that Azimio was on the journey to forge stronger relations in a bid to turn the coalition into a competitive force during the next high political season.

"We are very determined more than ever before to forge a unified position as Azimio La Umoja One Kenya. The coalition is as strong as ever," Kalonzo stated. 

Rumours of a split within Azimio had gathered momentum on Wednesday, January 10 when Karua hit back at Kalonzo who dismissed the Kamwene meetings organised by leaders of the Mt Kenya region within Azimio.

Karua took to X to question Kalonzo's obsession with the Kamwene caucus to the point of dragging it into every single conversation.

"What about Kamwene scares my brother Kalonzo Musyoka that he must drag it in every conversation he has?" Karua posed.

Kalonzo on Tuesday, January 9 claimed that the forum diverts Azimio's intention for the Mt Kenya region and breeds individualism which could likely put the coalition at risk of division based on tribal lines. He therefore urged Azimio's founders to stick with the coalition, terming the caucus as 'dead on arrival'. 

Dubbed Kamwene Leadership Forum, the new outfit is meant to champion the interests of the Mt Kenya region, coming considerably after Azimio had failed to name a member from the vote-rich region to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) charged with spearheading bipartisan talks between the opposition and the government.

On the NADCO report, the rumours began after the Azimio principals made public disagreements over the resolutions made in the committee co-chaired by Kalonzo, with Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Karua declaring that they would not support the recommendations.

NARC-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua speaking to the media on September 19, 2023, at Jubilee Party Headquarters. /X