By Eddah Waithaka
With Raila Odinga embarking on a bid for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, has officially taken over the helm of the Azimio Coalition, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity within the coalition’s leadership structure.
The handover from the joint Odinga-Musyoka leadership marks a turning point in the coalition’s trajectory, with Musyoka poised to steer the alliance towards its policy goals with renewed vigor and strategic focus.
While endorsing Raila Odinga’s bid for the AUC presidency, Kalonzo Musyoka chose not to attend the official launch event at State House, a move that underscored his recent assumption of the role of opposition leader.
“I am not at State House today because I want to show you that I am the official leader of the opposition,” Musyoka said, reaffirming his commitment to his new role and assuring that “Azimio will not disband.”
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During the launch event, which was attended by President William Ruto and various African dignitaries, the Azimio Coalition passionately expressed its support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the AUC position.
The alliance praised Odinga for his wealth of political experience, his unwavering commitment to Pan-African values and his demonstrated skills in conflict mediation, underscoring his suitability for the esteemed role.
In a statement, the coalition emphasized that Odinga’s candidacy was a remarkable contribution to Kenya and the African continent, declaring, “We are offering Africa and the world our best and most respected leader.
With Musyoka positioned to steer the opposition and Odinga eyeing a continental role, the change in leadership within Azimio comes at a crucial time as the coalition maneuvers Kenya’s political terrain.
Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), confirmed Musyoka’s new role, saying, “There is no vacuum in Azimio. Kalonzo is the second most senior member. He is taking over.”
