Why Junet, Joho have been kicked out of Azimio coalition leadership

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed during a past Azimio rally. [File, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja Coalition has removed from its council Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, Nominated MP Sabina Chege and Abdi Noor Farah.

The Coalition has also removed Cooperatives and Micro Small Enterprises Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Pokot South MP David Pkosing, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, from its National Executive Council.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Garissa Senator Abdul Haji, EAC Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu, Isabella Githinji and Solomon Kuria and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed have also been removed from the National Executive Council.

In a statement issued by deputy leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the Azimio said the decision had been arrived at following a joint meeting of the Coalition Council and the National Coalition Executive Council.

“The Azimio Coalition will presently announce their replacement as part of the expanded Coalition Party. The meeting has further terminated Junet as the Leader of the Azimio Coalition Parliamentary Group and appointed Caroli Omondi to replace him,” said Kalonzo.

This came a day before the ODM and UDA parties hold a Parliamentary Group meeting to review the progress of the 10-point agenda signed between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga two years ago.

ODM National chairperson Gladys Wanga said today’s meeting will give a progress report.

Wanga, who spoke to the media after the conclusion of a National Executive Committee meeting in Nairobi yesterday, said ODM and UDA are working towards ensuring the country achieves its development goals.

“The framework of the agreement between ODM and UDA is focused on tackling youth unemployment, enhancing national unity, inclusivity in governance and development, promoting integrity in public service and ending wastage in government,” said the Homa Bay Governor.

Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo said they are ready for the National Delegates Conference on March 27, a meeting that is expected to make significant decision on how the party will approach next year’s General Election.