Raila hopes Azimio will create wave similar to Narc’s in 2002
Orange party leader Raila Odinga plans to launch Azimio La Umoja Movement as a formal platform to counter Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) charm offensive.
People Daily has established that the former Premier hopes the Movement will create a wave similar to the 2002 Narc euphoria that swept Mwai Kibaki to power at independence party Kanu’s expense.
After his crowning at Kasarani on December 10, sources have disclosed that Raila is keen to use Azimio Movement to bring on board all major and fringe political parties supporting his State House bid.
New Movement will take on the DP and One Kenya Alliance principals Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula.
Orange Democratic Movement secretary general Edwin Sifuna told People Daily that Raila had instructed him to start planning for the event, which should be held in the first quarter of next year.
According to Sifuna, the ‘Azimio La Umoja Movement’ coalition will bring on board Jubilee Party, ODM, Party of National Unity (PNU), Upya Movement, Democratic Action Party, Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), Kenya Union Party (KUP), National Ordinary People Empowerment Union, Maendeleo Chap Chap, Narc, and Devolution Empowerment Party (Mbus), among others.
“We are planning to launch Azimio La Umoja Movement. This will be a coalition of the willing that will bring the country together. We already have more than eight political parties supporting our bid.
There will be many more joining our cause,” said Sifuna. Mbus is associated with Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi, while his Machakos counterpart Alfred Mutua leads Maendeleo Chap Chap with their Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi recently establishing PAA.
KUP is associated with West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo while Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya is the face of PNU.
United Democratic Movement Party secretary general David Ohito disclosed that they were still putting their house in order before deciding whether they will join ‘Azimio La Umoja’ or UDA.
Field candidates
“We are still in discussions and have planned a retreat in mid-January. We will make an announcement which side we will be supporting.
But I can tell you, we will be in the side we know will form the next government,” said Ohito.
Mutua said his outfit supports Azimio but will field candidates individually for all elective positions.
Mutua explained that they had resolved to support the unity call propagated by Azimio.
He further explained that those supporting Azimio will agree on one presidential candidate.
“Ultimately, it will narrow down to one presidential candidate. Raila is a good leader and Mutua is also a good leader.
I hope Raila will support me. Whoever we will decide on, we will support,” he said.
Narc Party leader and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu charged that the unity clarion call must be taken to every community to ensure the country remains united and moves forward.
Political pundits argue that should the Azimio Movement gain momentum, it will make a strong showing at the polls.
Moi University don Dr Masibo Lumala argues that Raila believes in coalitions as a way of bringing people together.
He argues that small parties on their own cannot form a government and that creating coalitions is the way to go.
“Raila believes in building coalitions as a way of forging unity among Kenyans.
The Azimio la Umoja movement coalition will be akin to the Narc of 2002 where you form a coalition but still have your parties,” said Lumala.
He, however, warns that forming a coalition without having proper messaging could be disastrous, adding that the controversial Political Parties (amendment) Bill will help the electorate choose the leader of the coalition.
