No Deputy Position in Azimio, Mutua Refutes Karua’s Claim

The question of succession within the Azimio la Umoja coalition has sparked a heated debate with Professor Makau Mutua shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics.

According to Mutua, while the agreement signed by coalition members before the 2022 elections included provisions for a deputy party leader, no one was officially appointed to that role. Mutua’s remarks come in response to recent comments made by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua who claimed to be next in line for leadership should Raila Odinga be elected as the chairperson of the African Union Commission and relocate to Addis Ababa. However, Mutua contradicting Karua’s assertion while emphasizing that the agreement contained no such provision.

The succession debate has also exposed rifts within the coalition with Kalonzo Musyoka and Karua engaging in a war of words regarding their respective approaches to succeeding Raila. Kalonzo has questioned Karua’s involvement in the Kamwene group which focuses on matters affecting the Mt Kenya region, suggesting that it promotes individualism over unity within Azimio. Amidst these tensions, Raila Odinga himself has urged leaders, particularly those within his party, to refrain from discussing succession politics and instead concentrate on maintaining unity within their faction and addressing the pressing issues faced by Kenyans.

The succession question has undoubtedly become a contentious issue, with various factions jockeying for position and influence within the coalition. As the debate rages, it remains to be seen how the coalition will navigate these internal dynamics and present a united front amidst the broader political landscape. It is worth noting that the coalitions internal succession discussions have drawn criticism from some quarters with concerns raised about the potential for division and distraction from the core issues affecting the nation.