Three factions have emerged within Azimio la Umoja following Wednesday’s disagreement over the formation of a government of national unity.
The coalition, established over two years ago to succeed retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, is now facing its most significant challenge since its inception, as factions aligned with its two main leaders, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, disagree on joining President William Ruto’s proposed broad-based cabinet.
While Raila’s supporters are in favor of forming the broad-based cabinet and are open to taking up ministerial positions, those aligned with Kalonzo have rejected the proposal outright.
A third faction has emerged that neither supports joining the government nor opposes the plan but has put forward a series of demands to be met before deciding whether to join the government or engage in national discussions.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, a close ally of Kalonzo, told People Daily that there were no fundamental cracks within Azimio and that the problematic Wednesday evening press briefing was merely a matter of disagreement among some members.
Wambua emphasized that Azimio is founded on strong political principles and that a disrupted press conference cannot lead to the coalition’s disintegration.
“Azimio was not founded on quicksand. It cannot disintegrate because of a botched press conference. We, as Azimio, have resolved not to join Ruto’s government. With only about 40 months left in his term, what purpose would joining his government serve?” Wambua said.
Raila’s camp, which includes his Orange party deputies Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, along with close ally Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, is advocating for the formation of a government of national unity.
During the Wednesday meeting, many lawmakers expressed frustration with some colleagues, accusing them of negotiating behind the scenes and then seeking their approval only as a formality.
“Most of the MPs were upbeat that some of their colleagues have already negotiated through the backdoor. We feel that we should not support a failing regime because we will be left with an egg on our face if the people present to join the government are rejected,” said a source who sought anonymity.
