Babu Owino has openly rejected the position of his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), creating a notable fissure within the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party.
On June 19, 2024, Owino made a bold announcement on the social media platform X, distancing himself from ODM leader Raila Odinga’s approach. He declared his refusal to support the government, emphasizing his commitment to the people’s interests. This statement signaled a significant rift within the ODM party, underscoring growing tensions within the coalition.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua quickly praised Owino’s courage. Her support highlighted the internal discord within the Azimio la Umoja coalition. Karua’s endorsement of Owino’s stance underscored the fractures becoming increasingly public within the coalition.
The Azimio la Umoja coalition is currently experiencing a larger fallout, primarily due to Raila Odinga’s decision to engage with President William Ruto. This move has isolated Odinga from other key Azimio principals, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. On Wednesday, the ODM party expressed a willingness to support the formation of a proposed Kenya Kwanza-led broad-based government of national unity, a stance that has further fueled divisions within the coalition.
Kalonzo Musyoka and his faction have vehemently opposed this proposal. They have made it clear that they will not participate in any dialogue with President Ruto’s administration. Addressing the media, Musyoka emphasized that joining the proposed government of national unity would be a betrayal of the Kenyan youth, who have been vocal in their opposition through protests.
He pointed to the harsh taxes, corruption, tribalism, unemployment, and the high cost of living as key issues plaguing the country under the current administration.
Musyoka further distanced his faction from any coalition member who might opt to join the government-led dialogue. He stated that such participation would be in their individual capacity and not on behalf of Azimio. This stance underscores the deepening divisions within the coalition and the challenges it faces in maintaining unity.
The opposition, led by figures like Musyoka, continues to assert its mandate to represent the people’s voices and needs, rather than those of the government. Musyoka criticized the current Cabinet and suggested that meaningful change would only come from a convention as proposed by Raila Odinga, rather than a dialogue with the existing administration.
Source