Azimio leaders’ presence in Ruto’s US trip stirs mixed reactions
A section of Kenyans have expressed mixed reactions on social media following National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi's presence on President William Ruto's US trip.
Wandayi on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, joined Ruto for a luncheon at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Beneficial partnership
The Ugunja MP went on social media to note that as leaders, they are looking forward to a stronger and mutually beneficial partnership between Kenya and the USA.
He posted a photo he had taken with President Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah.
"In meetings with the Congressional Black Caucus led by Congressman Steven Horsford, House Leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leadership led by Majority Leader Charles Schumer. We look forward to stronger and mutually beneficial partnership between Kenya and the USA," Wandayi posted on social media.
In meetings with the Congressional Black Caucus led by Congressman Steven Horsford, House Leadership under Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Leadership led by Majority Leader Charles Schumer. We look forward to stronger and mutually beneficial partnership between Kenya and the USA. pic.twitter.com/jzweQUHeyF
— Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, EGH (@OpiyoWandayi) May 22, 2024
Wandayi's presence at the luncheon has, however, stirred mixed reactions from a section of netizens, who have questioned the role of the opposition in Ruto's US trip.
Former ODM leader Raila Odinga's aide Sailas Jakakimba who has since shifted his allegiance to President Ruto, said Wandayi should not attempt to vilify colleague ODM MPs who have chosen to work with the head of state.
Jakakimba also pointed out the presence of Homabay County Governor Gladys Wanga, noting that the opposition leaders in Ruto's trip claim they accompanied him in ‘the wider interests of the nation’.
"The Azimio leaders accompanying President Ruto on the Head of State’s State Visit to those United States seem palpably happy and with equivalence of moods of the moment. It has been explained that they accompanied the President in ‘the wider interests of the nation’," Jakakimba posted.
"I am elated that my Governor Gladys Wanga is right behind the President at every stop of this historic visit. My Good Friend Opiyo Wandayi should NOT therefore, on return to Kenya, attempt to vilify colleague ODM MPs who in the same wider interests of the nation - read National Unity and Development, opt to accompany President Ruto in future local/national development tours."
"You cannot have your cake and eat it, or only make your association with the President acceptable while branding the rest as ‘rebellious tendencies’ demanding of Show-Cause Letters," he added.
THE AZIMIO Leaders accompanying President @WilliamsRuto on the Head of State’s State Visit to those united States seem palpably happy and with equivalence of moods of the moment. It has been explained that they accompanied the President in ‘the wider interests of the nation’. I…— SILAS CHEPKERES JAKAKIMBA (@silasjakakimba) May 22, 2024
Several other Kenyans on X joined Jakakimba in calling out Wandayi. Some questioned whether the opposition has now fully joined the government. 
Junet's response
While responding to some of the reactions, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed hilariously said that the opposition had been invited by the US government.
My friend SC we were invited by the U.S.A. Government 😂😂 https://t.co/FP1MMe9N3T— JUNET MOHAMED, CBS (@JunetMohamed) May 22, 2024
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