Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya has hinted at the party’s possible departure from the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Munya, addressing the media on Monday, July 29, 2024, pointed to concerns over ODM’s recent alignment with President William Ruto’s government as the primary reason for their reconsideration.
“Next Thursday, there will be a party meeting where we will decide our stance regarding our relationship with the Azimio coalition. The ODM Party has joined the government. They cannot be in government and still remain in opposition. Those of us who wish to remain in opposition must separate ourselves to continue advocating for the rights of citizens,” Munya stated.
He noted the constitutional structure of Kenya, which delineates between the government and the opposition, highlighting the conflict of being part of both simultaneously.
“With all due respect to our partners in Azimio, led by a man we greatly respect, we wish them success in the government. However, they must make a clear decision whether to remain in opposition or join the government. As PNU, we believe we can effectively serve in the opposition,” Munya asserted.
Munya also made it clear that he hasn’t been offered a role in Ruto’s administration and would respectfully turn it down if he were.
According to Munya, he can drive more meaningful change by working directly with the people of Kenya, rather than being part of a government that faces many difficulties.
“I have not been offered any government position, and even if I were, I would decline it. I am more effective working with the people of Kenya to bring about change than within a government facing numerous challenges.”
Munya’s remarks follow NARC Kenya’s recent exit from the Azimio coalition, citing similar concerns over the coalition’s dual role in government and opposition.
Cracks in Azimio
Narc Kenya formally exited the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, as announced in a letter dated July 25, 2024, by Acting Secretary General Asha Bashir to Junet Mohammed, Secretary General of the coalition’s secretariat.
This move came amid Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s reassurances that the coalition remained intact despite rumours of internal strife.
On July 25, Musyoka dismissed speculations about the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaving Azimio after President William Ruto nominated four ODM members to his cabinet.
Musyoka stated that ODM had not indicated any plans to exit the coalition.
Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee Party Secretary General, also downplayed fears of divisions within Azimio, affirming Raila Odinga’s leadership and criticizing Ruto’s cabinet nominations as attempts to weaken the opposition.
Kioni accused President Ruto of undermining Kenya’s democratic framework by co-opting opposition party members, violating the spirit of the constitution, and posing a threat to democracy.
Azimio’s Raila speaks
ODM leader Raila reiterated that his party remains in the opposition.
Speaking on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the burial of lawyer Evans Oruenjo Umidha in Siaya, Raila emphasized that ODM has not yet joined the proposed government of national unity.
He clarified that the opposition stance is unchanged and stated that while some ODM experts might assist the government, they must adhere to the party’s principles.
“If you want to take some of our experts to join your government, we release them to join your government and work in accordance with the ethics of our party, the ODM and Azimio. The position has not changed,” Raila affirmed.