By Debra Rono
A portion of the Azimio coalition has recently criticized President William Ruto’s broad-based government, which was established after he selected some leaders from the coalition to serve in his cabinet.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni described the broad-based government as a betrayal of Kenyans, particularly the Gen Z population.
“We neither support nor take part in the proposed broad-based government of national unity. We believe it is the greatest betrayal to Kenyans especially the Gen Z and the millennial.” Kioni said.
Kioni, accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former cabinet secretary Eugene Wamalwa among other Azimio leaders, stated that President Ruto poses a threat to the country’s democracy by forming such a government, which goes against the NADCO report
Kioni also mentioned that individuals joining the Ruto government, including the cabinet secretary nominees from Azimio, would be endorsing the killings and abductions that have been witnessed during the anti-government protests that have rocked the country for the past six weeks.
“Any person joining the Ruto’s regime has in effect endorsed the killing, maiming, abduction and torture of innocent Kenyans…those who have accepted the nominations are doing so in their capacities,” Kioni added.
He announced plans to establish an alternative government, claiming that President Ruto has failed to do so.
“You’re looking at an alternative government…what is before you today and many others who will be joining us are the ones who will be forming the government because Ruto has completely failed in any attempt he has made.” Announced Kioni.
This criticism is echoed by other leaders such as Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti together with her deputy, who has expressed her dissatisfaction with the Azimio coalition members joining the government. According to Wavinya, the nomination shows betrayal from Azimio leader Raila Odinga to Kenyans who have been on the streets demonstrating for better governance.
President William Ruto revealed the second set of cabinet nominees on Tuesday, with five of them coming from the opposition party. This decision has sparked varied responses from the public, both online and offline, as many Kenyans have expressed both approval and disapproval of the nominations.