Nairobi, August 23, 2023 - Tensions are escalating within the Azimio la Umoja camp following Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's unexpected disclosure of a purported behind-the-scenes accord between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, which is said to sideline Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka. Azimio leaders are preparing to convene and evaluate the implications of Gachagua's claims on the unity and trajectory of the opposition alliance.
During a recent interview, Kitui Central Member of Parliament, Makali Mulu, expressed his apprehension about Gachagua's revelations. Mulu voiced concerns that any such arrangement could undermine the opposition's goal of holding the government accountable. He indicated that Azimio leaders would delve into the matter, investigating whether Gachagua's assertions are backed by credible intelligence reports or are merely politically charged statements.
If the alleged deal between Raila and Ruto exists, Kalonzo Musyoka's supporters from the lower eastern region have signaled their intent to resist it. They are expected to push for their own set of demands to ensure their interests are not neglected in any potential agreement.
"The presidency has the benefit of getting intelligence from all the arms of government. He may be saying this from an informed position. If that is the position, then we do not have any business to be involved in those talks," Mulu stated during his appearance on Citizen TV.
Mulu went on to criticize Deputy President Ruto for openly discussing the ongoing discussions between himself and Raila, in contrast to an agreement reached by a bipartisan team mandated to represent the two leaders. The MP indicated that they would demand an apology from Gachagua for rebuking the Kamba community's support for Azimio.
"We did not take it kindly, and you could see even the reaction of the people. He should have mourned with our colleague and then maybe pleaded to have us move to their side," Mulu chastised the Deputy President.
"We pay taxes to this government, and we will be demanding to get a fair share of these taxes," he added emphatically.
Gachagua had stirred the pot when he claimed on Tuesday that Raila was influencing Kalonzo through ongoing discussions, further alleging that Raila was prioritizing his personal gains within the alleged agreement with Ruto. Gachagua made these statements during the funeral of Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka's mother (Kawaya).
According to Gachagua, the supposed deal was brokered in Mombasa. While he refrained from providing specific details about the agreement, the timeline, and the key figures involved, he asserted that Raila had sought a meeting with Ruto, who attended without Kalonzo. Gachagua insinuated that Raila was pushing his own agenda in the talks.
"Raila looked for Ruto the other day, and he came without Kalonzo. He only spoke for himself, his kids, and his people. He has now sent Kalonzo to the talks where the agenda does not address the issue of Ukambani," Gachagua asserted, concluding with his view that the talks would be unproductive.
Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka have yet to respond to Gachagua's allegations. Meanwhile, Azimio's bipartisan negotiations, aimed at striking a deal with the government, continue under the leadership of Kimani Ichung'wah, the Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader.