Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, a close ally of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, has said that Oburu Odinga’s decision to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration could create an opportunity for the opposition to reorganize, strengthen its grassroots networks, and develop a more effective strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kioni maintained that the latest political developments should not be viewed as a setback for the opposition but rather as an opportunity for its leaders to reassess their approach, rebuild their support base, and prepare for the upcoming polls.
Speaking during an interview with Radio 47 on Tuesday evening, Kioni expressed confidence that Azimio would eventually emerge as a stronger political force under the leadership of young, united, and determined leaders seeking to form the next government.
He noted that the coalition is currently concentrating on rebuilding its grassroots support and positioning itself as a credible alternative to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration. He also suggested that major political realignments could occur before the 2027 General Election.
Kioni emphasized the need for Azimio to engage Generation Z, describing young people as a critical constituency whose participation and political choices could significantly influence Kenya’s future. He said the coalition intends to incorporate their ideas, leadership, and demands into its broader agenda for political and social transformation.
His remarks come amid reports that Oburu Odinga had backed President William Ruto’s administration by supporting the nomination of several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders to Cabinet positions.
The development has sparked divisions within opposition ranks, with some Azimio leaders opposing any form of cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Critics of the arrangement argue that working with the administration could undermine the opposition’s ability to hold the government accountable. They have also questioned whether the cooperation is consistent with the demands raised by Generation Z protesters, who opposed the Finance Bill and called for changes within the Cabinet during nationwide demonstrations.
The debate gained momentum after President Ruto announced the nomination of Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi, and Opiyo Wandayi to various Cabinet positions.
The appointments elicited mixed reactions among ODM leaders and Azimio supporters, with some welcoming the move while others questioned whether it reflected the opposition’s earlier stance and addressed the concerns raised by young Kenyans during the protests.