Martha Karua, leader of the NARC Kenya party, announced her party’s departure from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. This move marks a significant fracture within the coalition and comes on the heels of recent political misunderstanding and disagreements.
Karua declared that the NARC Kenya’s continued membership in the Azimio coalition was “not tenable” in a statement issued earlier.
Her announcement follows President William Ruto’s recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw members of the ODM party being appointed to key positions. This reshuffle appears to have been a catalyst for the party’s exit.
The decision to leave Azimio la Umoja is notably timed, as it comes just a day after President Ruto nominated ODM members to the Cabinet.
This reshuffle has evidently caused ripples within the coalition, leading to heightened tensions and ultimately, Karua’s departure.
The NARC Kenya party’s exit raises questions about the future stability and unity of the Azimio coalition.
Karua’s departure is a significant blow to the coalition, which had already been facing internal turbulence.
There were previous speculations that Karua, along with other prominent figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, might be considering leadership roles within Azimio if Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship had succeeded.
With Odinga now aligning with President Ruto, the dynamics within Azimio have evidently shifted, prompting Karua and her allies to reassess their positions.
Earlier this month, Karua, Musyoka, Wamalwa, Jeremiah Kioni, and Charity Ngilu were reportedly seen in a closed-door meeting, suggesting that they were contemplating an alternative path distinct from that of the ODM party.
This move highlights the growing rifts within the coalition and signals potential shifts in Kenya’s political landscape.
In a related development, Karua had previously expressed strong opposition to President Ruto, even vowing to join protests organized by Gen Z activists. Her recent actions seem to align with her earlier criticisms of the current administration.
