Azimio Leader Raila Odinga dismissed assertions on Monday, January 22, that the alliance was on the brink of disintegration. Addressing the issue in Lamu County, the former Prime Minister refuted the inaccuracies presented in local newspapers, deeming them both false and regrettable.
Reports had suggested that the coalition, along with Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was undergoing internal strife, with efforts to remove certain members, including Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Raila Odinga, accompanied by Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and other Azimio leaders on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, categorically denied the rumors.
“I want to dispel any rumors being spread by irresponsible media. There is no imminent danger of Azimio collapsing,” he asserted.
Raila clarified that, contrary to media reports, the coalition had remained solid since the 2022 general election, experiencing only a few Members of Parliament choosing to collaborate with President William Ruto.
Expressing surprise at the headlines, the opposition leader emphasized the absence of significant disagreements within the coalition. Raila urged the Kenyan media to refrain from spreading unfounded rumors and assured his supporters that occasional differences of opinion did not signify disintegration.
He explained that Azimio had persevered after the 2022 general election setback and remained committed to liberating the country. According to Raila, Azimio’s vision was centered on freeing the nation from what he characterized as tyranny and irresponsibility.
Earlier, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad had reassured Lamu residents that Azimio and ODM were unwavering. On Sunday, leaders from ODM, including former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, criticized reports of the party’s intention to discipline Junet Mohammed for missing key meetings. They emphasized Junet’s significant contributions to ODM and Azimio, asserting that he deserved respect from the party.
