Make up your mind, Azimio leaders tell Raila

A section of leaders from the Azimio La Umoja Coalition has hit out at ODM party leader Raila Odinga for what they claimed was failing to make clear his political stand.

Wiper party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni stated that allowing some coalition members to join the government as Cabinet Secretaries, was betraying Kenyans. 

This, they said, contrasts the principles of the opposition coalition.

Kalonzo urged Raila to make up his mind on whether he stands with Gen Z or with the government.

He stated that Raila’s decision undermines the sacrifices made by those who have been fighting against injustice.

On Friday, Raila released a statement in which he condemned police ‘arbitrary arrests, detentions and excessive use of force’ that he said led to the harassment of peaceful protesters and journalists.

Raila called for the immediate release of those detained during the protests held last Thursday and a thorough investigation of the police officers involved saying their actions were unacceptable and a direct violation of human rights.

“You are either with the Gen Zs and the people of Kenya or with the government. It’s as simple as that. I want to invite all Kenyans of goodwill to unite and save our country; we have no other,” Kalonzo said.

He also criticized the taxation policies as excessively burdensome to the Kenyan populace.

Eugene assured Kenyans that they will continue standing with them, reiterating their commitment to fight for good governance, accountability and transparency.

“Gen Zs of this country, you’re not alone. You may feel betrayed but we want to assure you that we stand with you,” he said.

The DAP-K party leader also told Raila to decide on who he supports saying there are only two sides.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, we want to say we stand with the people of Kenya. Those who have decided to stand with Zakayo, climbed the tree to help him, we want to tell you today that we’re not party to it,” he said.

“Gen Zs had pushed Zakayo. They had forced him to climb down the tree. One foot was on the ground. They protested.”

Kioni on his part expressed dissatisfaction with the approach to dissent and civil liberties.

“Am talking to our brothers who have been enticed into this thing called broad government, the blood of Kenyans who died in the protests will be on your hands,” he stated.