Why we are no longer called Azimio – Kalonzo

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed why the remaining parties in the Azimio coalition no longer identify themselves as using this outfit.

According to Kalonzo, they were careful not to use this name because the parties within it, such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), decided to focus on strengthening themselves after Raila Odinga’s working agreement with the President William Ruto.

He added that in the new year, Azimio would, however, issue a statement affirming its position as an opposition group.

“We are very careful not to use Azimio because I noticed that ODM itself does not talk about Azimio. They’re trying to strengthen their position, and now that they’re one foot in government, they’re a little convoluted, and I can understand, but the year and days ahead of us,”

“We will make it clear that we are the opposition, and we will hold the William Ruto administration to account, and we will make a statement to give that sense of direction,” Kalonzo said on KTN.

The Wiper leader said those like him who remain in the Azimio coalition will continue to side with the Kenyan people in calling for better governance.

“Those of us who remain in Azimio believe that we will continue to be on the side of the people, and that is why we have declared that we are the loyal opposition of the people.”

As for whether the group will continue to exist, Kalonzo said it would be up to the coalition leaders to decide.

He noted that so far he has not seen any communication from Azimio coalition chairman and former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, or Azimio party leader, Raila Odinga, leaving the coalition.

“Whether Azimio will stay is one that leaders will need to agree on.”

This comes weeks after President William Ruto met Uhuru at his Ichaweri home and subsequently appointed some of his allies to key government positions.

Kalonzo has over time insisted that he would not work with Ruto.