Kalonzo says Ruto exploiting pact with Raila to weaken Azimio

From left: Kamba elders Savi Mutuku, Peter Nzambu and Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka during Kamba Cultural Festival at Coast Gymkana in Mombasa, on August 31, 2024. Kalonzo was crowned Kamba elder. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused President William Ruto of employing divide-and-rule tactics to weaken the opposition and break Azimio.

Kalonzo said Ruto was taking advantage of ODM leader Raila Odinga's bid for the Africa Union Commission chair to raid opposition strongholds and woo Azimio MPs.

"Kenya Kwanza should not use Raila's exit to try and bring confusion in Azimio by going around the country, wooing leaders," he said.

Speaking in Mombasa, the Wiper leader said the rapprochement between the President and Raila should not be misconstrued to mean a political pact between the government and the opposition.

He reiterated that he is the right candidate to contest the 2027 presidential election on Azimio ticket urged ODM leaders not to be duped into supporting Ruto.

"We know those released from Azimio to join Kenya Kwanza government. As Azimio, we have not agreed to join a government," said Kalonzo.

ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir said the party is firmly in Azimio.

"Politically, I reiterate that ODM is still in Azimio and am aware that Kalonzo is in constant communication with Raila. We expect more talks to continue," said Nassir.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa said if Raila clinches the AUC chairmanship, Kalonzo will automatically assume Azimio leadership because of his seniority in the coalition.

"Kalonzo is the right candidate. Raila should hand over to Kalonzo, who has always supported him. Junet Mohammed (Suna MP) is the Azimio opposition leader in Parliament," he said.

Kalonzo, who was addressing the Kamba community at the Mombasa gymkhana, emphasised that there was no political pact between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.

He claimed that those who crossed from Azimio to Kenya Kwanza government were duped.

Kalonzo reiterated that there was no leadership vacuum in Azimio.

Leader presents at the event were Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu.

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