By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Wiper Party leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka will take over the Azimio Coalition’s leadership following the departure of Raila Odinga, who left to vie for the chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Hon. Raila Odinga’s candidature for the AUC chair was launched on 27th August 2024 at State House, Nairobi by President Ruto in an event attended by Uganda’s President Museveni, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu and other dignitaries.
The Wiper Party leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka said that he was ready to take over as the official opposition leader after Raila left Kenyan politics. He promised Kenyans a better Opposition team than ever in the history of Kenya’s politics.
“Yes, I am ready to be the Leader of the Official Opposition. This is the TEAM. You will see the Opposition like never before. We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside, we have the People of Kenya,” he said on X.
Despite supporting Raila’s AUC chairmanship candidature, Kalonzo said that he declined an invitation by State House, Kenya to attend the launch by the government to demonstrate his readiness as the official opposition leader in Kenya.
“I’m not at State House today, because I want to show you I’m the official opposition leader. Azimio will not dissolve,” Kalonzo said.
Azimio la Umoja coalition described Odinga’s bid to lead the African Union Commission as a source of pride for both Kenya, East Africa and the continent and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the African Union to greater peace, stability, and prosperity.
“We are donating to Africa and the world our best and most renowned leader,” the statement said.
The Azimio la Umoja highlighted their belief in Mr. Odinga’s leadership to the AUC and would contribute to the Continent’s development and unity.
The African Union Commission leadership attracted several candidates from different countries including; Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, and Anil Gayan of Mauritius.