DAP-K tells ODM to leave Azimio, join government wholly

DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa when the party gave a statement against the opposition getting into an inclusive government with Kenya Kwanza Administration at their DAP-Kenya offices along Ngong Road, Nairobi on July 17, 2024. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) has asked Azimio One Kenya governing council to expel the Raila Odinga-led ODM from the coalition that was formed ahead of the 2022 elections.

DAP-K accused Raila Odinga, the ODM leader, of going to bed with the government, without the knowledge of the coalition’s affiliate parties.

The Eugene Wamalwa-led party said during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kitale on Saturday that DAP-K was committed to play opposition roles and was not ready to continue working with Odinga.

"The NEC has instructed me to notify the Azimio One Kenya Coalition that ODM should formally exit the coalition due to its close association with the Kenya Kwanza government," Wamalwa said after the NEC meeting.

Wamalwa said DAP-K will remain on the side of ordinary Kenyans, and will support Gen Z and millenials in their push for reforms.

“I have been instructed by DAP-K NEC to ask Azimio One Kenya governing council that we are not joining Kenya Kwanza government. We will support the Gen Zs and Millenials in their demands for reforms. Our friends in ODM are free to leave the coalition,” Wamalwa said.

The DAP-K party leader added: “AS DAP-K, we are remaining in the opposition because we want to rescue Kenyans. Those who want to rescue President Ruto can go ahead and leave the coalition, they can’t be in both opposition and government.”

The party's Deputy Leader, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said DAP-K will advocate for the rights of voiceless Kenyans by maintaining their role in the opposition.

"Our constitution allows us to have an opposition to hold the government accountable. We won't betray those who are counting on us by aligning with the government," said Natembeya.

However, ODM officials from Western Kenya dismissed the claim that Odinga's actions constitute a betrayal of his colleagues in the Azimio One Kenya coalition, clarifying that ODM had not aligned itself with the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

"ODM merely allowed individuals who chose to relinquish their positions to join the government on their own, not as representatives of the party. Those labeling our party leader a betrayer are misguided," ODM Kakamega County chairman Kizito Mugalia said.

Mugalia said those suggesting that ODM leave the Azimio One Kenya Coalition were doing so out of misinformation.

"During the 2022 general elections, every candidate in the coalition, apart from Raila Odinga, ran on their party tickets, which makes him the best person to dictate its future," said John Simiyu, ODM Secretary, Trans Nzoia.

Cracks began to appear in Azimio last year when the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), established between Azimio and the ruling Kenya Kwanza to find a resolution to post-election protests, released its report.

Wamalwa criticized the report, arguing that it failed to include some of the key issues discussed by the committee, such as the high cost of living.

Further cracks appeared when Raila, the Azimio leader, agreed to a dialogue with President Ruto, in an effort aimed at ending the Gen Z-led protests.

President Ruto appointed Wandayi, who previously served as the National Assembly Minority Leader under ODM, to lead the Energy and Petroleum docket.

Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, both of whom held the position of ODM Deputy Party Leaders before their appointment, head the ministries of Cooperatives and Mining, respectively.

John Mbadi was the ODM national chairperson until he was assigned the role of Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.

Wamalwa has vowed to establish a strong opposition aimed at unseating President Ruto in the 2027 general elections.