We Will Hold Ruto Govt Accountable Despite Odinga's Absence, Says Kalonzo

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed his stance on Raila Odinga's potential chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

In a statement on Friday, Musyoka acknowledged that even if Odinga secures the esteemed position, the opposition Azimio coalition will remain vigilant in holding President William Ruto's government accountable. However, if the opposition encounters significant challenges in addressing issues with Ruto's administration, they may seek Odinga's temporary assistance to ensure the country is on the right path. During his visit to the South Nyanza region, Musyoka affirmed Azimio's commitment to exposing government injustices, emphasizing that Kenyans will not remain silent in the face of mistreatment, regardless of Odinga's involvement with the AU.

In Awendo Town, Musyoka reiterated that opposition leaders have assured their capability to lead in Odinga's absence. This comes after Odinga himself maintained that his pursuit of the AUC position would not hinder his involvement in local matters. Musyoka has commended Odinga's decision to vie for the continental position and extended his well wishes. He on Friday revealed that he and Odinga have had extensive discussions, though he could not disclose the details. Musyoka emphasized that Odinga still has important work to accomplish in the country, as agreed upon in the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco), where he must participate in the formation of the next Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) alongside the head of state.

In Migori Town, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa expressed his belief that Kenya will achieve a significant milestone by producing the AUC chairman, making them the first East African country to do so. Wamalwa emphasized Odinga's role in this historic event, stating that the people of Nyanza will once again make history by bringing East Africa its first AUC chairman. During a recent visit to Kisii, Musyoka and Wamalwa expressed their disapproval of the government's unprecedented decision to exclude independent print media from advertising opportunities, opting instead for a single source. Musyoka labelled this move as "savage," claiming it goes against the Constitution and is a deliberate attempt by the current administration to suppress press freedom.

The Wiper leader called on the media to maintain objectivity in their reporting, emphasizing that Azimio will always hold President William Ruto accountable whenever his government makes decisions deemed unfavourable for the country. Throughout their tour of Kisii, Nyamira, and Migori counties, accompanied by other lawmakers, Musyoka and Wamalwa criticized the current regime for imposing burdensome taxes on Kenyans. Musyoka pointed out that since President Ruto took office, life has become unbearable for many citizens. He highlighted the government's refusal to pay doctors, despite collecting substantial revenue from punitive taxes, including the Affordable Housing levy, which reintroduced a mandatory 1.5% tax.