Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition has denounced the actions of the Kenya Kwanza-led government, accusing President William Ruto of undermining democracy and attempting to dismantle the opposition. Jeremiah Kioni, Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, conveyed the coalition’s stance during a press conference attended by key coalition leaders.
Kioni criticized President Ruto for nominating top leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a constituent party of Azimio, to his cabinet. This move, Kioni argued, aims to weaken multiparty democracy and exert control over the parliamentary system. Furthermore, he accused Ruto of attempting to silence opposition voices both inside and outside of Parliament.
The coalition expressed grave concerns over what they termed as the “cannibalization” of political parties, particularly Jubilee and ODM. Such actions, they stated, violate the spirit and letter of the Kenyan Constitution and the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report.
“We believe that Ruto is an existential threat to our democracy and must be resisted,” Kioni declared. He emphasized that Kenyans are yearning for genuine reforms, competent leadership, and transparency in public administration, none of which can be achieved through what he described as Ruto’s “cosmetic procedures and incompetence recycling.”
In light of these accusations, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition has resolved not to support or participate in the proposed Broad-Based Government of National Unity, deeming it a betrayal of the Kenyan populace, particularly the younger generations.
The coalition also condemned the police violence that resulted in the deaths of 60 young Kenyans and injuries to hundreds more during peaceful demonstrations. The Nairobi Police, under the command of Adamson Bungei, allegedly used live bullets against the protesters exercising their constitutional rights under Article 37. Azimio called for the arrest and prosecution of all officers involved in the shootings, abductions, and torture of innocent Kenyans.
Kioni made it clear that any member joining Ruto’s regime is implicitly endorsing these brutal actions. However, he reassured Kenyans that the coalition remains committed to fighting against injustice and police brutality.
In an encouraging message to the youth, Azimio la Umoja leaders urged them to remain hopeful and steadfast in their pursuit of justice and good governance. He appealed to all who oppose Kenya Kwanza’s governance to continue standing together, promising that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
The coalition also took the opportunity to express gratitude to their leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, for his leadership since the coalition’s formation. As Odinga prepares for a critical phase in his quest for leadership within the African Union Commission (AUC), Azimio has appointed H.E. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka to guide the coalition.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni, and DAP-Kenya Leader Eugene Wamalwa were present at the press conference. Musyoka hinted at future political realignments, stating that Wycliffe Oparanya, another prominent political figure, would be joining Azimio, noting his visit earlier in the day.
The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of all Kenyans, asserting that when the choice is between the people of Kenya and the Kenya Kwanza regime, they will always stand with the people