Azimio Split? Karua and Kioni Front New Political Outfit

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni have joined forces to create a new political movement called the Kamwene Leadership Forum.

The group aims to represent the interests of the Mt Kenya region. The formation of this group comes after the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya group failed to include a member from the Mt Kenya region in the National Dialogue Committee. Karua emphasizes that Kamwene is a platform for Mt Kenya leaders to voice their opinions. Recently at the Jubilee party headquarters, Karua and Kioni spoke about their take on President William Ruto's year in office following Azimio's own assessment of the current administration. This has led some to question whether there are disagreements within the opposition regarding ongoing discussions.

According to an insider from Azimio, differences among members may have emerged during a meeting convened by Raila Odinga last week in response to nationwide objections against the fuel price hike. A section of Azimio leaders are discontented with President Ruto due to his apparent reluctance to follow through with crucial agenda items after engaging in discussions with defected MPs from ODM. The 10-member committee aims to discuss various matters including cost of living, as well as political party intrusion by the ruling outfit.

“It was, therefore, a feeling that so that we don’t make the people feel abandoned, we should suspend the talks until Kenya Kwanza reduces the new fuel prices. That way, the people would see that we are still with them,” said the source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Ms Karua and Mr Kioni were in agreement with these sentiments but Mr Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka overruled them. After a crisis meeting, Mr Odinga announced that the coalition would make a major announcement about the talks the following day, but this did not happen. Mr Kioni now says he would have backed out of the round of discussions if he were in the same situation as Mr Odinga.

“Generally, the mood of the leaders during the meeting was that of betrayal. Within Azimio, there is that feeling that this team (Kenya Kwanza) is taking us for a ride,” said the source.