Inside Politics

Azimio to have grand welcome for Raila on return from Dubai, hold rally in Kibra

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 13:51 | By
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga. PHOTO/Njenga Kung'u

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party is set to hold a grand welcome for its leader Raila Odinga on Friday, April 28, 2023, upon return from the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said that the opposition leader will be received by his supporters at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before proceeding to Kibra for a people's baraza.

"The Kibra People's Baraza will also set the stage for the peaceful mass action that is set to resume in Nairobi on May 2, 2023, as earlier announced," Mr Wandayi said.

Wandayi called on Azimio supporters to maintain peace during the two events. Initially, there were reports that after the Kibra rally, the opposition supremo and his supporters could hold a procession to Nairobi's central business district.

"We appeal to all supporters of our quest for a just, fair, and democratic nation that prioritises its citizens to turn up in large numbers and welcome Rt. Hon. Odinga home and attend the Kibra rally. We further appeal to everyone attending the twin events to maintain peace and order as we have done in the past," Wandayi said. 

Azimio-Kenya Kwanza bipartisan talks

This comes at a time bipartisan talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio have hit a snag after the opposition accused the government of not being sincere in the talks.

In a statement on Tuesday, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the move follows the involvement of Eldas MP Adan Keynan on the government side.

"The Azimio team has suspended its participation in the bipartisan talks until such time as Hon. Keynan who remains a member of Azimio shall not be included as part of the Kenya Kwanza delegation," Sifuna said.

Keynan was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket, which is still a member of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.

On Thursday, April 20, 2023, in the inaugural meeting between the two teams, opposition members opposed the inclusion of Keynan in Kenya Kwanza's team while the Kenya Kwanza team opposed the inclusion of Pokot South MP David Pkosing in the Azimio team.

According to Kenya Kwanya, P'Kosing, who was elected on a KUP ticket, is a Kenya Kwanza member since his party leader John Lonyangapuo signed a post-election pact with Kenya Kwanza. Initially, KUP was a party member of the opposition outfit.

Azimio has vowed to resume anti-government protests on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

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