Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has hinted that his party may leave the Azimio coalition. This development follows the decision by members of the coalition, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), to cooperate with President William Ruto's administration.
Wamalwa argued that it is not possible to be part of the government and the Opposition simultaneously. "You cannot be the incumbent and opposition at the same time... this is where we have reached, and we are now considering whether to resolve this issue or part ways," he stated during an interview on Spice FM.
The former Defence Cabinet Secretary also noted that other parties within the Azimio coalition have already given notice of their intention to exit, and DAP-K might be the next to do so. Among these parties are Narc Kenya and the Party of National Unity (PNU).
Wamalwa expressed his belief that the Azimio coalition has lost its way, acknowledging that the alliance has let down the people of Kenya. "Martha Karua has given notice, Peter Munya has given notice, and soon, Eugene and DAP will do the same. As Azimio, we have lost direction and failed the people of Kenya, but we are addressing it, and you will hear from us soon," he added.
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He emphasized that it may be time for the coalition partners to go their separate ways and criticized ODM's decision to work with the government as a significant betrayal. "For Azimio to align with William Ruto is the highest form of betrayal, and this is why we have reached the point of divorce. In a marriage, when irreconcilable differences arise, separation becomes inevitable," Wamalwa said.
His comments came after Narc Kenya, led by Martha Karua, issued a notice to leave the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition. This decision was communicated in a letter from Narc Kenya's acting secretary-general, Asha Bashir, to the coalition's secretary-general, Junet Mohammed.
"Due to the current political developments, our continued stay in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition is no longer tenable," Bashir stated. "As NARC Kenya, we are formally giving notice to exit the Coalition as per the exit clauses in the Coalition Agreement. This notice is effective immediately," she added.
Similarly, the Party of National Unity (PNU) also announced its intention to withdraw from the Azimio coalition. PNU leader Peter Munya indicated that the party's National Executive Council (NEC) would meet to decide on its future within the coalition. Munya asserted that ODM cannot be part of the government while also claiming to be in the opposition, and therefore, those who wish to remain in the opposition must leave the coalition.
"Our constitution is designed to have two distinct sides—those in government and those in the opposition. You cannot be in both," Munya said. He also urged Raila Odinga and other coalition members to clarify their positions, whether they remain in the opposition or have joined the government side.
