Kabando slams Raila over demo threats, shifts allegiance to Ruto
Former Mukurweini Member of Parliament Kabando wa Kabando now says he is shifting his political allegiance from opposition leader Raila Odinga to President William Ruto.
In a series of tweets shared on Tuesday, the former legislator accused the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader of a plot to sabotage the country's constitutional democracy with his stance that he won the last presidential poll.
He insisted that Raila lost the presidential poll due to his political dalliance with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and should take his role in the opposition.
"I find it incongruous for Raila Odinga to Still insist that he won 2022 when literally everyone within Azimio circles know we ran a shamboli, self-defeating campaign. I reiterate, Raila lost largely for being a captive and defender of Uhuru errors . But he is still stuck there," Kabando said.
"...Raila must accept his opposition role, just like many of us his allies do whenever we lose elections. Azimio mischief unfit."
Kabando said Raila is planning to use anti-government protests disguised as a fight for economic and electoral reforms to force a coalition government.
"I've remained supportive of Raila's grievances in the hope that our intense lobby for a public-interest agenda is centre stage. But maandamano main goal is a share in govt. I hold a contrary position. Henceforth, I'll support President Ruto if only to spur our nascent democracy."
According to the MP, the decision will offer him peace of mind.
"It's a difficult necessary decision. I can't, won't, join any party choir. But I owe myself the comfort of my conscience & instinct. So, Mr. President, you've support against a vicious conspiracy to return handshake," he added.
"...I don't want to be part of crude chicanery for a nusu mkate govt."
Azimio plans to resume anti-government demonstrations on May 2.
The coalition has accused President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance of a lack of commitment to bipartisan talks proposed to solve the current stand-off on the cost of living and alleged electoral fraud.
