Jubilee says Azimio intact despite Raila's decision to contest AU's top job

Jubilee Party Secretary-General leader Jeremiah Kioni.  [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Jubilee Party has said that the Azimio coalition will remain intact despite Raila Odinga's decision to contest for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson job.

Speaking on Thursday after hosting leaders from Nairobi County at  Jubilee headquarters, Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said it was Raila's personal decision and noted that Azimio will remain united.

"To take up the leadership at AU by Raila Odinga is certainly a personal decision and his family. As Azimio, we are pushing for the leadership of this country as a team," said Kioni. 

He added; "If one of us finds themselves unable to be part of the team, then we will continue...the game does not end there."

Kioni said the opposition party will not be shaken by Raila's decision to contest for the AU chair position.

Kioni's sentiments came a few hours after Raila made a statement at his Karen residence declaring his intent to go for the AU top job.  

Raila however spoke after weeks of speculations about his interest in contesting for Africa's top job emerged.

Kioni, who is also an Azimio co-principal maintained that they will not regret the decision as they are adequately equipped, learning from Raila's school of politics over the years.  

"But, of course, we will always benefit from the experiences of those who have been there before," he stated, referring to Raila as one among those the opposition leaders have learnt from. 

Kioni criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for what he termed as attempts to create new boundaries.

He alleged that there are discussions at an advanced stage on how they will work on the boundaries.

He however claimed that the Kenya Kwanza administration is scheming to scrap some constituencies from the opposition strongholds.  

"They scrap others and create new boundaries without a criterion that is understood, or even criteria that they would wish...will advantage the Kenya Kwanza in the next elections," said Kioni.