Kalonzo announces plans to form 'grand coalition' to oust Ruto from power

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the unveiling of DNA party (formerly Umoja Summit party). (Collins Oduor, Standard) Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed plans to form a grand coalition aimed at unseating President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. Kalonzo said Kenyans are frustrated with the Kenya Kwanza regime, which he accused of failing to deliver justice and subjecting citizens to economic hardship. "The new alliance, the People's Coalition, will welcome as many political organisations as possible so that we can develop that space," said Kalonzo. He added: "But I want to propose that we be guided at the appropriate time. The 2002 moment, when Mwai Kibaki was elected unanimously as Kenya's third President, was a liberation movement. This is another such moment." Kalonzo claimed that regions across Kenya, including the Western region, are yearning for change, redemption, and liberation, declaring that "Kenya will never be led by thieves again." "Are you ready? This is the moment. Seize it and take action. Your voice, your action," he said, drawing applause from the crowd. Kalonzo was speaking yesterday during the Umoja Summit Party's Annual Delegates Convention (ADC) in Parklands, Nairobi. Among other resolutions, the ADC approved the party's name change to the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and confirmed its acting leaders. The party leader is Godfrey Kanoti, with Walter Mong'are as deputy party leader. Barack Muluka serves as the national chairman, while Naomi Cidi is the secretary-general and also the deputy secretary-general. Kalonzo declared that the Azimio coalition no longer exists, stating that it effectively collapsed when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined the government and donated its members to Ruto's administration. He accused Ruto of presiding over a corrupt government, alleging that public funds are being used to bribe people through donations. Kalonzo also criticised the regime for denying Kenyans justice after last year's Gen Z protests and urged the public to take action. He called on the Kenya Kwanza government to refund the KSh300 that young people were charged for national identity cards before the fee was recently scrapped. Wamalwa: Ruto a threat to multiparty democracy Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa accused Ruto of undermining Kenya's multiparty democracy. "Ruto is an existential threat to multiparty democracy in our country. He does not want to see multiple political parties thriving and has resorted to buying them," said Wamalwa, as the crowd chanted, "Ruto must go!" He added: "When this regime took over, Azimio had the majority, but even before he was sworn in, Ruto started buying MPs from Azimio-affiliated parties." Wamalwa cited examples of how the Amani National Congress (ANC), led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has been absorbed into Kenya Kwanza. He also accused Ruto of attempting to dismantle the Jubilee Party, saying many other parties have been swallowed up. "Ruto is killing political parties so that he does not have an opposition," he said, welcoming DNA's formation and lauding it for refusing to join Kenya Kwanza. The event was also attended by former presidential candidate Reuben Kagame, former Kakamega County Senator, and United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Cleophas Malala. Kagame urged Kenyans to be angrier at Ruto's poor leadership and led the delegates in chanting, "Ruto must go!" Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said the country is in crisis, citing issues in healthcare, education, corruption, and the high cost of living. "Instead of addressing these problems, those entrusted with the leadership of this nation have abandoned their responsibilities and are busy campaigning for 2027 on top of vehicles. We must say no," he said. DNA Party Leader Godfrey Kanoti blamed Ruto for the failure of the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that it is time for change. "Kenyans are paying for SHA, yet when they go to hospitals, they are still charged for services like tests and laboratory fees," he said.

Kalonzo announces plans to form 'grand coalition' to oust Ruto from power

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Kalonzo announces plans to form 'grand coalition' to oust Ruto from power

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