‘Azimio is intact’ – Raila denies reports of fallout in opposition coalition
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has dispelled reports of cracks in the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, insisting that the political alliance remains united.
Speaking in Lamu on Monday, January 22, the ODM party leader accused a section of the media of spreading propaganda to cause divisions and unnecessary anxiety in the coalition.
"There is no danger of Azimio collapsing any time soon. We want our media to be responsible; we don't want them to spread unnecessary and irresponsible propaganda," Raila stated.
"Nobody has left Azimio. The coalition has remained intact, except for a few members of parliament who decided to take a walk. The leadership of Azimio is stable; there is no dissension or disagreement," he added.
The former prime minister clarified that small misunderstandings within the coalition should not be interpreted as signs of disintegration.
"We don't want the media to try and spread despondency among members of Azimio. We have stood very firm. Azimio is on a cause of liberation for this country. There may be disagreement in opinion on one issue or another, but that does not mean disintegration. I want to assure our members that Azimio is united and will not break up anytime soon," he added.
Raila's remarks come amid reports of a looming fallout in Azimio as some coalition principals continue to express interest in the presidential seat in the 2027 polls.
The leaders include Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
Yesterday, a section of the media also reported that Azimio Secretary General and ODM Director of Campaigns Junet Mohamed was on the chopping board for skipping a series of party meetings.
ODM summoned Junet, who also doubles up as National Assembly Minority Whip and Suna East lawmaker, to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for boycotting the party’s activities.
The media reports indicated that there were plans to strip the MP of his role in the party should he fail to justify his absence.
Junet's summons appeared to divide the opposition with a section of leaders including former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho criticizing the decision.
“Completely unnecessary and uncalled for!” the ODM Deputy Party Leader wrote on his X page.
Junet has maintained a low profile since Raila lost the 2022 presidential election, raising concerns among the opposition's support base.
