Sharp split in Azimio over talks with Ruto

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga. Leaders criticise the planned dialogue with William Ruto as unwise. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Sharp divisions have emerged within the Azimio coalition over whether Raila Odinga should participate in the National Multi-Sectoral Forum scheduled for next week.

Despite the divisions in the coalition - comprising ODM, Wiper, DAP-K, Jubilee, and Narc Kenya - ODM's Raila Odinga remains isolated in his stance.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K's Eugene Wamalwa, Roots Party's Prof George Wajackoyah, and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni have criticised the idea of engaging in dialogue with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government, deeming it unwise.

Raila Odinga, however, insists the dialogue is not about Ruto personally.

"As expected, many leaders have aired their diverse opinions on the anticipated dialogue, but I would like to clarify that our dialogue is not on Ruto's demand; ours is a people-centered talk aimed at good governance," Raila said during a funeral in Mabole, Butere constituency.

He noted that the dialogue is meant to address governance issues highlighted in the NADCO report, which has been ignored by Kenya Kwanza.

"Last year after the 2022 polls, we demonstrated and lost many young men. We turned to talks with the government and produced the NADCO report," Raila explained. "But Kenya Kwanza has disregarded the report, and now the Gen Z have raised the same concerns."

Raila's comments come amid calls from senior coalition partners to avoid talks with Ruto, reflecting the country's current mood. Some ODM Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators at the funeral urged Raila to engage in talks for national peace.

Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the MPs, labelling them sycophants for "misleading" Raila into talks with Ruto. "We don't want Raila to be abused," Kalonzo said, referring to recent criticism directed at Raila. "As for me, I am where the Kenyan people and Gen Z are because the country has changed." Kalonzo also expressed doubt about the Kenya Kwanza regime's political will, questioning the effectiveness of the dialogue.

"After dismissing the NADCO report, why would we expect much from these talks? Where will you find the faceless, leaderless, and tribeless needed for dialogue?"

He expressed regret over ongoing violence, citing recent exhumations in Kware area of Pipeline, Nairobi, and suggested that engaging with Kenya Kwanza's questionable leaders might not be beneficial. Jubilee Secretary General Kioni, while delivering Uhuru Kenyatta's condolences, likened talks with Ruto to "not understanding the Gen Z and what they stand for."

He warned that engaging with Ruto might be seen as legitimising his presidency.

"We had Gen Z-led protests in over 36 counties, which showed Kenyans' rejection of Ruto. Talking to him might return him to the presidency. We seem to misunderstand Gen Z," Kioni said.

He urged caution against being swayed by short-term ministerial appointments, which could legitimise Ruto's presidency.

DAP-K's Eugene Wamalwa and Roots Party's George Wajackoyah also questioned the need for dialogue.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya indicated that the Orange party governors would issue a statement on the dialogue's direction after a Sunday meeting.

Siaya Governor James Orengo (ODM) argued that Ruto would benefit most from any dialogue involving Raila and other Azimio principals.

"The Gen Z have already made their stance clear. Any dialogue that disregards their wishes is futile," Orengo said. He described the dialogue as a "poisoned chalice," suggesting it would only serve to validate Ruto's political survival.

Governor Paul Otuoma (Busia, ODM) called for justice for victims but also urged Raila to provide leadership during the country's turmoil.

"In 2007, Raila said the country was bigger than anyone, and we need such wisdom now," Otuoma said.

Governors Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega) and Simba Arati (Kisii, ODM) supported dialogue but demanded accountability, compensation for victims, and the release of those arrested. Arati compared the situation to dealing with a mouse in a house: "Would you burn the house to chase away the rat? If Kenya sinks, we all sink."

MPs Tindi Mwale (ODM), Joyce Atieno (Homa Bay, ODM), Joshua Odongo (Kisumu Central, ODM), and George Aladwa (Makadara, ODM) supported Raila's decision.

Conversely, MPs Dick Maungu (Luanda), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari, ODM), Julius Mawathe (Embakasi South), Mark (Embakasi West, Jubilee), and Senator Enock Wambua (Kitui) opposed the meeting.