Rift widens in Azimio as Savula says ODM free to join Ruto's government

Kakamega County Deputy Governor Ayub Savula. [File, Standard]

Kakamega deputy governor and DAP-K deputy party leader Ayub Savula has said ODM leader Raila Odinga is free to join President William Ruto to form a government of national unity.

Savula appealed to Azimio co-principals, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni to embrace their role as the opposition and allow ODM to chart its political cause.

"We cannot afford to let opposition die in Kenya because today it is the Gen Z playing the opposition role of checking the excesses of the government. Raila is at liberty together with his troops to go and join Ruto's government if he so wishes, Azimio's co-principals allow him to go and assume the role of the official opposition in Kenya with the help of our youths," he said.

"We are not interested in joining the government to get Cabinet Secretary slots, we are okay remaining in opposition. If we do not assume the role of a strong opposition, we risk going back to a one-party state. We need to provide checks and balances on issues such as expenditure, corruption, and the high cost of living," he added.

The deputy governor urged Gen Z to pile pressure on legislators to conduct proper vetting of the Cabinet Secretary nominees to ensure they are suitable for the job.

"I urge our Gen-Z to ensure MPs vet and approve Cabinet Secretary nominees who are competent and fit to hold public offices. If our lawmakers fail Kenyans, we will not hesitate to lead the youths in storming the Parliament buildings again because we want good governance and leaders who can deliver and serve Kenyans," he said.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya opposed the planned national dialogue between the opposition and government, saying President Ruto does not need talks to implement demands by Kenyans.

Salasya challenged the Head of State to resign if he cannot meet the expectations of the people.

"We have had dialogue since 2007 after the post-election violence, another in 2017 after the handshake that resulted in the failed BBI, and last year we held another dialogue at the Bomas of Kenya which birthed the Nadco report that has never been implemented. The report addressed the issue of high cost of living, yet MPs passed the Finance Bill, 2023 that included the controversial housing levy," he said.

"As a youthful leader, I see dialogue as a waste of time because in Kenya it has become an avenue for positions and conmanship. If you cannot take action, then you have no other option but to resign and leave office, or the people will remove you," said the lawmaker.

Mayoni Ward Rep Fredrick Watitwa urged President Ruto to be cautious if he intends to have dialogue with the opposition led by Raila.

Watitwa advised the President to listen to the people instead of leaders who have personal interests.