Azimio Leaders Decry 'Blackmail' Over Odinga's AU Bid

Azimio La Umoja leaders spearheaded by Kalonzo Musyoka have voiced their concerns about what they perceive as attempts to muzzle their party leader Raila Odinga through blackmail tactics.

At the heart of the matter lies Odinga's aspirations to secure the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC). Wiper leader Musyoka alleges that politicians within the ruling coalition are endeavouring to undermine Odinga's ambitions by demanding that he refrain from commenting on domestic political affairs. In a recent public address, Odinga slammed President William Ruto's handling of natural disasters, specifically the ongoing floods that have ravaged various regions.

During a food donation event in the Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, Odinga condemned the demolition of houses in flood-affected areas arguing that the government should prioritize providing alternative housing before relocating citizens, rather than leaving them homeless. This public critique marks a departure from Odinga's state-supported stance during his quest for the AUC chairmanship. In response, Musyoka has come to Odinga's defence, emphasizing that as the leader of the Azimio coalition, Odinga cannot be silenced on national issues.

Musyoka further clarifies that Odinga will continue to lead Azimio until he secures the AUC position after which the coalition will initiate its succession process. Azimio co-principal Eugene Wamalwa echoes this sentiment, reiterating the opposition's commitment to liberating Kenyans from oppression. Meanwhile, Odinga faces formidable competition in the race for the top AU job with candidates such as Djibouti's foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssoufand Somalia's former Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf Adam, vying for the same position.

Wamalwa also urges President Ruto to declare the floods a national disaster, a move that would enable affected Kenyans to receive assistance from international partners. With over 200 lives lost and thousands displaced, such a declaration could attract much-needed support for those affected.