Wiper: We are in Azimio to stay, won't work with Kenya Kwanza

Wiper Democratic Movement Kalonzo Musyoka and the party members during a two-day retreat in Naivasha where they vowed to remain in the Azimio La Umoja One alliance. February 19, 2023. [Anthony Gitonga, Standard]

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said the party is in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance to stay.

Speaking in Naivasha on Sunday, February 19, Kalonzo said Azimio's election victory was stolen in last year's poll and took a swipe at President William Ruto's administration for trying to woo its members to join Kenya Kwanza.

"In a shameless effort to legitimise their fraud, the Executive has made many attempts to divide the Azimio-One Kenya coalition. They have openly used public institutions and public resources to entice individual members in the name of development to break ranks with their political parties.

"They have systematically tried to erode all the gains of multiparty democracy and take this nation back to a one-party state," he said.

Kalonzo accused the President of creating divisions within Azimio, saying the invites to State House were meant to divide the opposition.

He spoke in the wake of the fallout in Jubilee Party and ODM, affiliate parties in Azimio, which they claim have been orchestrated by President Ruto.

A National Executive Meeting last week resolved to kick out secretary general Jeremiah Kioni and vice chair David Murathe. EALA legislator Kanini Kega was picked as interim secretary general while Eldas MP Adan Keynan was picked as acting vice chair.

ODM had at least six of its MPs meet Ruto at State House in what was termed an act of betrayal by party leader Raila Odinga.

Kalonzo said Wiper will continue to take part in the ongoing people's baraza spearheaded by Raila to keep the government in check and push for meaningful electoral reforms.

The Wiper leader said they are also pushing the government to address the high cost of living. Some Jubilee MPs have pledged to work with Ruto after they kick out Murathe and Kioni. Kalonzo, however, said his brigade would not work with the government.

He added that they had been approached several times to visit State House but had rejected it as it is illegal and unconstitutional.

On the current economic crunch, Kalonzo lashed out at the government for 'lying' to Kenyans.

He accused the government of feeding the country with GMO food while maize in parts of the country continues to rot in stores.

"Today, Mama Mboga cannot pay rent, the boda boda operators can barely fuel their motorbikes while the average mwananchi is overburdened by taxes," he said.

Kalonzo revisited the last general election, saying their victory was stolen by the IEBC and compromised by the Supreme Court.

"We thank the people who voted for Azimio," he said.

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