Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders during the launch of DNA party on April 3, 2025. PHOTO/X Kalonzo.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now claims that the Azimio Coalition effectively ceased to exist when ODM boss Raila Odinga signed a cooperation agreement with President William Ruto.
Raila signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ruto on March 7, agreeing to work together on at least 10 key national issues affecting Kenyans.
However, Raila clarified that the agreement did not mean ODM had joined the government, insisting that it was merely a framework for engagement.
Despite this, Kalonzo—who has positioned himself as the de facto peoples' loyal opposition leader—asserted on April 3 that Azimio coalition was no longer intact following Raila’s deal with Ruto.
"The day Raila signed the MoU with UDA was the end of Azimio. I will not attack Raila because that's not in my DNA," Kalonzo said.
"The day my brothers in ODM and Kenya Kwanza signed that MoU outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, in my view, that was the end of Azimio."
Kalonzo further claimed that following Raila’s agreement with Ruto, Wiper was the only party still loyal to Azimio.
"But Wiper cannot remain alone in Azimio. This is a statement of fact, and we must be realistic," the former Vice President stated.
However, Kalonzo emphasised that his long-standing personal relationship with Raila remains intact, saying he respects Raila’s choices despite their political differences.
"Nobody will hear Kalonzo Musyoka attack Raila Odinga because that is not in my DNA," he reiterated.
"We respect each other’s choices." Kalonzo made the remarks during the Umoja Summit Party's Annual Delegates Convention, where the party rebranded to the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) at New Diamond Plaza, Highridge, Nairobi.
"This is a beautiful name—DNA—and you have joined what will be the winning coalition. Your Voice; Your Power!" Kalonzo declared.
On April 2, ODM officials hit back at Kalonzo, accusing him of dishonesty regarding his calls for transparency in the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners.
ODM dismissed Kalonzo’s April 1 claims that the ongoing selection of a new IEBC chairperson and six commissioners was being manipulated by ODM and President Ruto’s UDA party.
"For the record, this process is being conducted in full accordance with the NADCO report. It is also common knowledge that NADCO was chaired by none other than Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper party," said ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
