Azimio Faction Faces Internal Strife Over Ruto, Raila Talks Report

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition led by Raila Odinga has been hit by internal divisions following the release of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta, who serves as the coalition's council chairman, has been exposed for attempting to sabotage the negotiations. In contrast, President William Ruto has assured his commitment to implementing the committee's suggestions. During his address at the Priesthood Fellowship in Kahawa West, Roysambu on Sunday, Ruto applauded the teams involved and showed his backing for the suggested reductions in travel and per diem budgets. Furthermore, he urged MPs to engage in in-depth deliberation on the report, emphasizing the noteworthy accomplishment of reducing government expenditure by 50%.

Additional suggestions involve the creation of the Official Opposition Leader position and the legal recognition of the Prime Cabinet Secretary position. The President has expressed support for the report, which proposes actions like broadening the selection committee for the IEBC, prolonging the period for presidential petitions, and cutting the government's travel expenses. Nonetheless, discord has arisen within the Opposition, as Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa adopt contrasting viewpoints.

They believe that the report fails to address the suffering of the Kenyan people. Wamalwa, a participant in the negotiations, has declared his unwillingness to endorse the report. It has also come to light that former President Kenyatta has voiced his discontent with the talks, particularly concerning the matter of the rising cost of living. Sources reveal that Kenyatta has been holding meetings with Azimio leaders at Raila's residence in Karen, seemingly with the intention of subverting the negotiations.