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Kalonzo Musyoka, a co-principal of the Azimio Coalition, has announced his role as the leader of the opposition following Raila Odinga’s campaign launch for the African Union Commission Chairperson position.
In a press conference held on the same day as Odinga’s State House event, Musyoka asserted that Azimio will remain united despite Odinga’s alliance with President William Ruto, which has sparked internal criticism within the coalition.
“I am prepared to lead the official opposition. This is our team. The Opposition will be more visible than ever. While we might be outnumbered in Parliament, we have the support of the Kenyan people outside,” Musyoka stated.
Musyoka expressed his belief that Odinga is the ideal candidate for the AUC Chairperson role, praising his commitment to Pan-African values and his persistent efforts in justice, democracy, and public welfare.
He emphasized that Odinga’s engagement with the government, which is backing his candidacy, will not prevent the Opposition Coalition from overseeing President Ruto’s administration.
“As our leader takes on this new role, the Azimio Coalition will remain resolute in its commitment to addressing the people’s concerns,” Musyoka said.
“Azimio will not disband. I am not at State House today because I want to affirm my position as the official opposition leader,” he added.
Eugene Wamalwa, the leader of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), supported Musyoka’s new role.
“There is no void in Azimio. As the second-highest-ranking member, Kalonzo will take over. You are either with Okoa Ruto, or operation okoa Zakayo, or you stand with Kenyans and support the constitution’s implementation,” Wamalwa remarked.
Musyoka’s supporters believe that with Odinga stepping away from local politics, Musyoka is under pressure to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 presidential race, having previously run for President in 2007 on the ODM Kenya ticket.
Musyoka has consistently opposed the broad-based government that included Odinga’s allies in the Cabinet from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a coalition party. He criticized the inclusion as a betrayal, especially to younger generations who led anti-government protests.
As an Azimio co-principal, Musyoka claimed he was neither consulted about nor aware of the nominations, maintaining his opposition stance.
Musyoka vowed to support the younger generation and their causes.
During the State House launch, Odinga pledged to lead reforms within the AU to achieve an AU Visa for easier movement across the continent. The African Passport initiative, introduced by the African Union (AU) in 2018, aims to eliminate travel restrictions and promote visa-free travel for all African citizens.
If elected, Odinga promised to work towards implementing this proposal.
