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The Nairobian

Azimio is intact, says Peter Munya

Politics

By Esther Nyambura | Aug 06, 2024

**PNU Party leader Peter Munya.** [File, Standard]

The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has faced internal divisions following the nomination of some of its members to Cabinet positions by President William Ruto.

This has led to feelings of betrayal among certain coalition members, raising concerns about a possible rift within the opposition.

PNU Party leader Peter Munya insists that the coalition remains intact and cannot be dissolved at this time.

Munya acknowledged that the idea of exiting the coalition had been considered. However after consulting with other Party leaders within Azimio, a consensus was reached to maintain the coalition while seeking a suitable path forward.

"I had expressed that if things continue as they are, PNU should consider leaving Azimio. I invited our NEC to advise us on whether to leave or stay. After a long discussion within our party and with other parties in the coalition, we agreed that it may not be opportune to leave at this point," Munya stated.

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He added, "If we leave, we leave as a group so that we can still have a coalition that continues pushing for change."

The former Meru county boss further noted that an agreement among Azimio leaders specified that any potential involvement with the government should aim for an interim administration focused on constitutional and economic reforms. They did not agree to join Kenya Kwanza, as they believed it would provide undue support to a "dying" government.

His remarks follow the announcement by Martha Karua’s NARC-Kenya of its intention to exit the coalition after the nomination of key ODM officials to Cabinet.

Karua cited "prevailing political developments" as the reason for NARC-Kenya's untenable position within Azimio.

In response to these developments, Azimio leaders including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, expressed their displeasure with the President’s decision, feeling betrayed by their leader.

Currently, Kalonzo has assumed the role of opposition leader, with Raila Odinga remaining silent.

Munya believes that rather than silence, the fundamental disagreements within Azimio must be addressed, allowing those who wish to continue in opposition to take their rightful positions.