Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka was on Thursday, July 25, chosen by the Azimio la Umoja- One Kenya coalition to lead the political outfit. 

In a statement read by Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, it was explained that current Azimio Leader Raila Odinga was busy campaigning for the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position. 

Additionally, the Azimio leaders revealed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders joined President William Ruto's cabinet as individuals as the coalition had disagreed to engage in dialogue with the President.

"We want to thank our leader Raila Odinga who has led our Coalition successfully since its formation. We know his quest for AUC leadership will enter a critical stage starting next week and we wish him luck as he prepares to take on the continental duties," Kioni explained why Kalonzo was taking over.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka speaking at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, during the signing into law of IEBC Amendment Bill 2024.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka speaking at KICC, Nairobi on July 9, during the signing into law of IEBC Amendment Bill 2024. PHOTO RAILA ODINGA

"Kalonzo Musyoka has continued to lead us while Raila has been out seeking the leadership of the African Union and we continue to ask him to guide us as a coalition. We have resolved he continues leading us even as we allow Raila to continue with AUC campaigns."

On the nomination of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members to Ruto's cabinet, Kioni revealed that the coalition had not sanctioned such a move.

Azimio regretted Ruto's move remarking that it had destroyed the multiparty system in Kenya and was cannibalism that went against the Kenyan Constitution as well as the recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).

In solidarity with Kenyans who were opposing the new cabinet nominees, the Kalonzo-led team revealed that the country desired genuine reforms and not recycling politicians into top government positions. 

"We will not take part in the proposed broad-based government of national unity as it is a betrayal of Kenyans especially Gen Z and millennials," Kioni gave the coalition's position.  

The coalition faulted ODM members who accepted nominations to the cabinet remarking that it was a betrayal to 70 Kenyans who lost their lives during the June and July anti-government protests.

"Those members who have accepted the nomination to join Ruto's cabinet are doing so under individual capacity," Azimio stated in the presser. 

Notably, no member of the ODM attended the presser nor was there any apology issued.