The mammoth Azimio coalition that nearly vanquished President William Ruto in 2022 is on the brink of collapse as bigwigs plot a new alliance amid political shifts ahead of the 2027 election.
Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper and Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-Kenya are decamping from the opposition coalition in the wake of talks of a looming political deal with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The leaders indicate that a new outfit could be in place as soon as early next year as the opposition bigwigs plot a giant machine to take on President William Ruto in the next polls.
The seeming political deal between Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga coupled with Gachagua’s impeachment have triggered the realignments. Gachagua and the Azimio chiefs feel betrayed by their partners.
Kalonzo allies told the Star that the team is burning the midnight oil to make the new vehicle ready by end of the year.
Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo – a close confidant of Kalonzo – told the Star that the new political vehicle would be in place by next month.
He said the yet to be unveiled coalition will have who-is-who in the country’s political landscape on board.
“We are working on the new coalition and looking for the new partners, the coalition should be in place by Christmas. We are first making sure we have as many like-minded parties as possible,” Maanzo said.
“We are working together with the community (Mt. Kenya). It is one of the regions we are going to work with.”
Maanzo is one of the two Wiper deputy secretary generals.
Corroborating the sentiments, Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi – another Kalonzo close ally – talked of ongoing plans to unveil the outfit as soon as possible.
According to Mwangangi, the new political outfit will be bigger than Azimio with diverse membership including notable figures from Mt Kenya.
“It is something that is bigger than Azimio, we are moving very fast. We must be ready early in terms of having our candidate and the party,” Mwangangi said.
“We want every Kenyan to be part of the new vehicle to transform the country, everybody is welcomed Gachagua included.”
The former DP feels betrayed by his former boss who reportedly engineered his removal, while Azimio principals are angered by Raila following his deal with the government.
Signalling possibility of teaming up with Kalonzo, Gachagua on Saturday said he would give direction to Mt Kenya soon, even as his allies urged him to court Kalonzo and craft a formidable team to face Ruto.
“I am not quitting politics, my political ambition is unstoppable and I ask my people who feel as if they have been left without a leader to be patient. I will soon show them the political route to follow,” he said on Saturday during a funeral service in Kiamwathi, Kirinyaga county.
The move comes months after Martha Karua’s Narc Kenya quit Azimio.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee and Peter Munya’s PNU have also signalled ditching the outfit.
“Our stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” Narc-Kenya said. Their exit marks the death of the coalition.
“They [ODM] have said they want to be in the government and for some of us who want to be in the opposition, we must bolt out so that we can continue fighting for the people of Kenya,” Munya said in July.
Speaking in Kitale on Sunday, Kalonzo and Eugene said they were on their way out of the coalition.
“A good idea always gives way to a better idea. What we are thinking about is a better idea. We are looking ahead and we are very consultative,” the Wiper boss said.
However, the Kalonzo added that if all goes well Azimio could be part of the new coalition.
“If we come up with a new outfit, it could even incorporate perhaps Azimio itself, so that is how focused we are,” he said.
For his part, Eugene said their new political vehicle could be ready as soon as early next year.
“All we can tell Kenyans is watch this space. We have a few days to the New Year and there are new things that are coming.”
Last week, Eugene’s party held a national executive council meeting where it resolved to withdraw from Azimio.
The party cited betrayal by affiliate parties – apparently referring to a deal between ODM and Ruto’s UDA.
“As DAP-K, we can no longer maintain a relationship with those who are not like-minded,” Eugene said.
“Those aiding Ruto in introducing more taxes to Kenyans are not aligned with our values. When John Mbadi brings back those taxes, it won’t just be Ruto’s responsibility; our members will be complicit.”
Mbadi, who is the former ODM national chairman, is among the four stalwarts appointed to the Cabinet by President Ruto following the Gen Z protests.
Others are former deputy party leaders; Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), Wycliff e Oparanya (Co-operatives) and former National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
Raila is widely expected to support Ruto’s election. The former Prime Minister is eyeing the position of African Union Commission chairperson in what could rule him out of the local contest in 2027.
The revelations come at the time when Gachagua – angered by removal from the powerful position – has promised to give his supporters direction.
“I’m not quitting politics. My political ambition is unstoppable and I ask my people who feel as if they have been left without a leader to be patient,” he said.
Gachagua’s promise came amid pressure from his allies to team up with Kalonzo and other like-minded friends for a mega political outfit.
“Even my senior, Martha Karua, I plead with you, look for those leaders, the likes of Kalonzo Musyoka, (George) Natembeya, (Fred) Mating’i and many more. Let’s have friends,” Kirinyaga Woman representative Njeri Maina said.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu said the envisioned outfit would be the vehicle they will use in the 2027 presidential campaigns.
He said Kalonzo will be their flagbearer in the next general election. “We are in that coalition led by Kalonzo Musyoka. He will be our president come 2027,” Waititu said.
The mammoth Azimio coalition that nearly vanquished President William Ruto in 2022 is on the brink of collapse as bigwigs plot a new alliance amid political shifts ahead of the 2027 election.
