MPs fear fight could lead to collapse of Azimio coalition

A section of Azimio MPs led by Ugenya MP Opiyo Wandayo (centre) addressed the media at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi on September 21, 2022. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya affiliate parties are not happy with the jostling for parliamentary committee positions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which they fear will affect the stability of the coalition.

ODM MPs have been engaging in public exchanges which other founder members of Azimio, which comprises 26 political parties, are wary that the infighting could lead to its collapse as it struggles to contain the exit of members to the governing Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

Azimio has been struggling to contain the flight of members to Kenya Kwanza.

Samburu East MP Naisula Lesuuda, who belongs to Kanu, said ODM members of the party should put their confidence in the leaders chosen by the coalition's principals.

"Not everyone can be a leader. We need to agree with what has been decided by our principals so that we can be ready to be in committees so that we can discharge our duties as legislators," she said at Safari Park during the induction of members of the National Assembly

Sirisia MP John Walukhe who was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket said that while selfish interests existed, they could not affect the stability of the coalition.

"The stability of Azimio cannot be affected by the jostling of positions within the constituent parties," he said.

He added: "There are those with selfish interests but the larger majority are willing to compromise because we understand that regardless of the positions we hold we are here to serve the electorate."

Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu also said that there was no harm in members from different political parties, saying which committees they prefer,adding there should be inclusion of all the parties.

"We agree that ODM has a stake given they have a majority of seats in the coalition party but it doesn't mean that just because they have absolute numbers they should forget other parties. "

He added:" As they think of the lucrative committees, they must remember parties like Wiper. We are not demanding equal seats but equal consideration based on the pre-election pact."

Nominated MP John Mbadi (ODM)said: "These things happen every day. The other time even dewhipped some members who had even won their seats in committees and fresh elections were held. "

"These exchanges are because we are in politics and there's nothing wrong with members disagreeing with who should be where. I don't see anything hurting our coalition. We are still a very formidable force.