Kalonzo to form shadow Cabinet as he replaces Raila in Azimio

The Azimio coalition has announced plans to form a shadow Cabinet to keep the government in check, in their latest approach to strengthen their opposition role.

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka made the announcement yesterday, one day after he was appointed the official opposition leader by Azimio.

At the same time, Azimio leaders advised Raila Odinga, now the African Union Commission (AUC) candidate, to be careful not to be used by President William Ruto who has embarked on a tour of Raila's Nyanza stronghold.

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni questioned the timing of Ruto’s trip to Nyanza.

"I have a feeling that Ruto was launching himself for Nyanza to win elections. We want to ask Raila to be careful with Ruto. How can you explain that they have moved from State House straight to Nyanza?" Kioni posed.

He added: "He launched himself to Nyanza and now he is launching projects that were already launched."

He was referring to the much-publicised launch of Raila's AUC candidacy at State House on Tuesday that was attended by East Africa Commission heads of states.

Kalonzo said that Kenyans were alert and would not be hoodwinked by actions meant to divert attention from more pressing issues.

"Even if he (Ruto) goes to Nyanza how many times, Kenyans know what they want. So no one should be afraid. This is a new Kenya," he stated.

On Tuesday, Kalonzo said he was ready to be the leader of the opposition, adding that Kenyans should be ready to see an opposition "like never before".

"We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside, we have the people of Kenya," he said.

Kalonzo said they will cover all sections of Kenyans, including the Gen Z and millennials in their Cabinet, which will be named in coming days to ensure that the government is held accountable for all its actions.

"It will not be business as usual. We will not allow our country to become a banana republic. We are a multiparty democracy. The struggle continues, no retreat, no surrender!" he said.

He was speaking at a forum dubbed 'Okoa Katiba, Okoa Kenya' held in Ufungamano House, Nairobi.

"The energy at the 'Okoa Katiba, Okoa Kenya' by the Kenyan youth is incredible. They are passionate and determined to change our country for the better," said Kalonzo.

He said the opposition would guard the Constitution and oppose any attempts to change or extend any term limits provided by the law.