Kalonzo, Wamalwa Plan Exit from Azimio Coalition

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa have signaled their intentions to establish a new political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

During a gathering in Kitale, both leaders articulated their vision for providing alternative leadership to the Kenyan people. Musyoka emphasizes that their plans remain in the consultative phase, noting that superior ideas often emerge through careful deliberation. He suggests that the existing coalition might potentially be incorporated into the new political framework they envision. Wamalwa projects greater urgency in their timeline, indicating that the new political vehicle could materialize in early 2025.

The former Defence Cabinet Secretary expresses conviction that their emerging coalition would be instrumental in addressing Kenya's corruption challenges. During the same event, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu publicly endorsed Musyoka as the coalition's prospective presidential candidate for 2027. The announcement, made during a memorial service for Kenya's eighth Vice President, the late Michael Kijana Wamalwa, in Trans Nzoia County, comes amid significant realignment in Kenya's opposition landscape.

It follows the departure of Martha Karua's Narc Kenya party from the Azimio coalition in July 2024, along with DAP-K's subsequent exit, continuing a pattern of post-election fragmentation within the alliance. The proposed political formation aims to address pressing national concerns, including corruption, excessive taxation, and economic hardship. The leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining robust opposition oversight of government activities while safeguarding public interests. The Azimio coalition, which originally united various opposition forces, has experienced notable splintering as member parties reassess their affiliations.

In other news, Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized the nation's pressing domestic and international challenges during the Charter awarding ceremony for the National Intelligence and Research University on Tuesday. Speaking at State House Nairobi, Kindiki calls upon the institution to contribute to Kenya's long-term sustainability under President William Ruto's administration. The university, formerly established as the Islamic University of Kenya through Legal Notice No 96 of 2021, operates as a constituent college of the National Defence University. It specializes in intelligence studies and security research to safeguard national and regional interests. The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Secretaries and senior education officials.