Azimio - OKA Union in Limbo as Senator Mutula Kilonzo Issues New Ultimatum

The wobbling Azimio la Umoja and Wiper recently signed pact could face yet another major obstacle after Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo came out to spell new demands that Azimio should meet in order to have Kalonzo support Raila Odinga for the big seat.

According to the Wiper Senator, the Azimio wing should reciprocate by making their party leader Kalonzo Raila Odinga’s running mate under the newly found coalition.

Speaking on Saturday during a meeting in Wote Makueni county, Kilonzo noted that it will only be fair for Azimio to nominate Kalonzo as Raila's running mate since the Wiper boss had sacrificed his presidential bid for the ODM boss.

While recounting how Kalonzo had relentlessly supported Raila in 2013-2017, the Senator argued that Kalonzo deserved appreciation through an appointment to deputize Raila.

"As Wiper members, we have fought so hard to have Kalonzo on the ballot come August 2022 general polls. Raila had promised to support him in 2017 but because Kalonzo has the interests of Kenya at heart, he has decided to step down for Raila. All we ask is that Raila nominate him as his Deputy," stated Kilonzo.

Kilonzo's remarks will likely complicate things for President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, although Kalonzo in a recent interview said they had not discussed positions. 

On Friday evening, President Uhuru paid a courtesy call to Kalonzo Musyoka at his Karen home, where Kalonzo, who was in the company of Baringo County Senator Gideon Moi held lengthy talks with the head of state.

It was not immediately clear on what the three discussed, but it is suspected that the meeting was informed by Kalonzo's unstable stand on fully embracing Raila as Azimio la Umoja's presidential candidate.

Kalonzo has been blowing hot and cold on Raila's presidency, with his recent behaviour raising more questions than answers among Kenyans.

Among the other things that Kalonzo has insisted on, is the retaining of the proposed coalition's name 'Azimio-One Kenya Alliance' further throwing the fragile coalition into disarray.

Mistrust, suspicion, and a silent war in Ukambani between Mr. Musyoka and governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Prof Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) have also threatened the pact, with Kalonzo recently coming out to demand that the three governors be tamed before considering his next steps.