Azimio Principal Martha Karua on Monday, July 10, set the record straight on the motive behind the opposition’s push to collect 10 million signatures.
During a media interview, Karua explained that the gathering of signatures served as a tally of Kenyan citizens who supported Azimio's protests against the government.
Contrary to an earlier statement made by Eugene Wamalwa regarding the use of signatures to overthrow President William Ruto's government, the Narc Kenya party leader diverged from that standpoint.
She emphasised that the signature collection provided a platform for Kenyans to express their grievances and disappointments.
“Since there is no place big enough to hold a general meeting of the Kenyan public, we will hold as many meetings as possible across the country.
“The people will hold their own referendum of signatures. By the time we hit the threshold of 10 million, we will know majority of Kenyans are speaking,” she stated noting that for a long time, Azimio was seen as not having the support of the people.
Karua noted that by appending their signatures, Kenyans could exercise their will and sovereignty directly.
Karua outlined four key issues that Azimio was addressing in its fight against the government, which included the implementation of the Finance Act, 2023 and the pursuit of electoral justice.
Other issues the coalition was fighting for included; respect for multi-party democracy and fairness in the appointment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission selection panel.
“It will be a body count of the people who are supporting the cause,” she explained while stressing the main goal of the signature drive.
Karua further reiterated the weekly protests would go on until further notice as Ruto's government had shown contempt to the issues affecting Kenyans.
When questioned about the use of cars by Azimio principals during protests, despite the coalition's call for Kenyans to carpool and explore alternative means of transportation to deny Ruto's government the revenue generated from fuel Value Added Tax (VAT), the former Gichugu MP defended the coalition's advisory position.
She emphasized that she, along with Eugene Wamalwa and other Azimio leaders, had often practised carpooling on numerous occasions.
Karua’s sentiments came a day after Fredrick Okango, the Azimio spokesperson, made similar remarks about the ultimate goal of the signature collection.
“We are not seeking for impeachment but for delegitimization and withdrawal of the sovereign delegated powers,” he stated.
While announcing the commencement of the signature collection exercise, Azimio intimated the initiative was one way to remove Ruto from power.
"We the people of Kenya will commence a signature collection exercise which will signal our willingness to reject Ruto's government. This exercise will take many other shapes and forms until we shall push Ruto out of power," Eugene Wamalwa stated on Tuesday, June 27.