NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 21 — Narc Kenya leader and United Opposition co-principal Martha Karua has revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was privately uncomfortable with the way President William Ruto’s administration was running the country, despite his public gestures of cooperation.
Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, Karua accused President Ruto of dishonoring Odinga’s legacy by signing what she described as “oppressive and self-serving laws” during the national mourning period declared after Odinga’s death on October 15.
Odinga died while receiving treatment in India, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the political divide.
Ruto, in a televised address, mourned him as a “national hero and a great personal loss” and declared seven days of national mourning.
However, on the same day the nation learned of Odinga’s death, Ruto quietly assented to eight controversial bills at State House, Nairobi, among them the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, which gives the state power to block websites and social media platforms without court orders, and changes to the National Land Commission and Wildlife Acts.
Critics have accused the government of exploiting the public’s grief to push through legislation that weakens oversight and curtails freedoms.
Karua said Odinga had privately voiced discomfort over the administration’s growing intolerance to dissent and human rights violations.
“Actually, I told Raila, ‘I know in your heart you stand for the people, but why are you giving support to a regime doing this? Does it bother you?’ His words were that he was uncomfortable with what was happening,” Karua disclosed.
She added that Odinga had, on several occasions, confronted President Ruto over allegations of abductions and extrajudicial killings. “He did call him out on abductions and human rights abuses,” she said, emphasizing that Odinga’s commitment to civil liberties remained unwavering until his death.
Karua faulted the president for signing the contentious bills on the very morning Odinga’s death was announced, calling it “a failure of empathy and national sensitivity.”
“Look at the bills he signed that morning. He didn’t even pause for a moment of silence,” she said. “Honoring Raila is not about decorating him or giving speeches; it is about defending what he stood for — justice, equity, and good governance.”
The veteran politician also urged Kenyans to reject corrupt leaders, warning that the country risked entrenching impunity by re-electing individuals facing graft charges.
“Please do not elect somebody who has corruptly abused your money. We are mortgaging not just our future, but that of our children and grandchildren,” she warned.
Karua said the United Opposition coalition, which brings together parties opposed to Ruto’s government, will continue expanding nationwide — including in Ruto’s Rift Valley base — to build what she described as “a people-centered movement.”
“Our doors will remain open. We will go to Nyanza, to Sugoi, and every part of Kenya, not just to open offices, but to recruit members and advance Raila’s ideals,” she said.
She revealed that the coalition plans to unveil a joint manifesto grounded in transparency, inclusivity, and democratic accountability — values she said would ensure Raila Odinga’s legacy lives on through action, not symbolism.
In a bold and defiant move, Martha Karua has announced the formation of a Parallel IEBC under the United Opposition, sending shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking on July 23, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader said the new electoral oversight body will serve as a watchdog over the 2027 general election.
With trust in the official IEBC dwindling, Karua’s team plans to monitor, track, and expose any irregularities before, during, and after the vote. The message is clear: this time, the people’s vote will count.
Karua’s Parallel IEBC could become a game-changer in Kenya’s electoral history. It is a direct challenge to a system that has often failed to deliver free and fair elections. Whether or not it succeeds will depend on public support and vigilance. But one thing is certain—Karua has lit a fire, and 2027 will not be business as usual. [Photo: Courtesy]
Karua’s Parallel IEBC to Reinvent Electoral Oversight
Martha Karua has never been one to play safe. Now, she is pushing boundaries once again—this time with a people-driven electoral commission meant to neutralize government-backed manipulation. The Parallel IEBC will be independent of state machinery and tasked with monitoring the entire electoral cycle.
“This election will be like 2002—there will be no rigging,” Karua declared.
Her aim is not just to observe but to act as a counterweight to the current IEBC, which she and many Kenyans believe has lost credibility. According to Karua, the People’s IEBC will keep an eye on every stage of the 2027 election—from voter registration to tallying.
She explained that the body will issue early warnings, expose attempts at vote-buying, document irregularities, and alert Kenyans in real time. It won’t be a ceremonial outfit; it will operate as a functional and fully staffed electoral monitoring agency.
This radical initiative is Karua’s answer to what she calls a “thieving regime,” where government insiders make no effort to hide their plans to rig the election. Karua believes that a bold and organized counter-force is the only way to guarantee fair polls.
Why the People’s IEBC Matters Now More Than Ever
Karua’s announcement comes in the wake of alarming statements from President William Ruto’s allies, who have openly spoken of rigging the 2027 vote.
On July 12, Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Jehow shocked the country when she said that leaders from the North Eastern region would support Ruto’s re-election—even if it meant stealing the votes.
“We, MPs from North Eastern, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we will loot them for him… that’s no secret,” she said.
Although Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi tried to clean up the mess, distancing the government from Jehow’s remarks, the damage was done. It confirmed what many feared—there is a real plan to subvert democracy in 2027.
Karua argues that silence is no longer an option. She says if the opposition does not act, then history will repeat itself, and Kenyans will wake up to yet another stolen election.
That is why she wants Kenyans to not only register in large numbers but also be part of the People’s IEBC initiative. It is a grassroots response to a national problem.
A Legal or a Strategic Response to a Broken System?
Critics have questioned the legality of forming a parallel electoral body, but Karua is not worried. She insists that the move is constitutional, as it operates within the framework of multiparty democracy.
She explained that the People’s IEBC is not replacing the official commission. Instead, it is a citizen-led oversight team with full legal backing to monitor elections and publish findings.
She has also emphasized that the body will not just appear on election day. It will be a permanent watchdog tracking every aspect of the process, from voter registration to party primaries, campaign financing, vote tallying, and results declaration.
In her words, “Elections are not a one-day event. We will return blow for blow, but we will also put in place mechanisms to prevent such actions.”
By mobilizing lawyers, digital experts, election monitors, and civil society watchdogs, the Parallel IEBC could become a powerful tool to prevent rigging before it even begins. It’s an ambitious plan—some say even risky—but Karua seems ready for the battle.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua was deported from Tanzania Sunday after being detained for nearly six hours at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, highlighting growing regional tensions over political freedoms.
“Deportation complete! On board KQ flight No 485 for Nairobi,” Karua wrote on her social media account, confirming her forced return to Kenya.
According to Karua, she arrived at the airport at 9 a.m. when immigration officials referred her passport to a supervisor, who kept her waiting for an hour while consulting with superiors. Ultimately, Tanzanian authorities denied her entry into the country.
Karua was traveling with two Kenyan human rights attorneys, Lynn Ngugi and Gloria Kimani. All three were guests of the East Africa Law Society (EALS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The deportation appears to be politically motivated, as Karua suggested her detention was linked to interest in the case of detained Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who currently faces treason charges.
“The common thread between Gloria Kimani, a council member of LSK, and Lynn Ngugi is that we are guests of EALS. I suspect all visitors who may be interested in the politically motivated case against Tundu Lissu are being denied entry,” Karua stated.
Diplomatic response
The incident prompted a swift response from Kenya’s government. Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei confirmed that the Kenyan mission in Dar es Salaam, headed by High Commissioner Isaac Njenga, had contacted Tanzanian authorities regarding the matter.
“Our Mission in Dar es Salaam has reached out to relevant authorities in the United Republic of Tanzania and will be apprising further on the matter shortly,” Sing’Oei said.
Karua, a respected political figure and former presidential candidate in Kenya, expressed concern about what this incident means for East African Community integration.
“I am concerned that, as a citizen of Jumuiya, my access within the East African Community (EAC) appears inexplicably restricted,” she noted, referring to the regional intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation among its member states.
This incident raises questions about freedom of movement within the EAC and may strain diplomatic relations between Kenya and Tanzania as officials work to resolve the situation.
Karua has been representing Tanzanian opposition leader Tindu Lissu, who is on trial for treason and faces a possible death penalty.
Lissu is due in court on Monday.
The trial comes as Tanzania prepares for elections in October.
A former justice minister in Kenya, Karua has been vocal about “democratic backsliding” in the East Africa region.
She has also been representing Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was kidnapped in Kenya last year and taken back to his home country to also face treason charges.
Uganda holds elections in January.
“What we are seeing is total erosion of democratic principles in the three countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda,” Karua told AFP in an interview earlier this month.
“All these countries now have become dangerous, not just to others but to their own nationals. I tie this to the forthcoming elections,” she said.
She accused the leadership of the three countries of “collaborating”.
“It’s a pattern,” she said. “They are neutering the opposition ahead of elections.”
Karua launched the People’s Liberation Party in February, vowing to engage with youths as she prepares a run for the presidency in 2027.
She faces competition from an array of opposition leaders in the country, all hoping to take on President William Ruto, whose popularity was undermined by mass protests last year over tax rises and corruption.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, describing the broad-based government arrangement with ODM leader Raila Odinga as “a union of interests” that has failed to deliver any benefits to Kenyans.
In a wide-ranging interview, Karua did not mince words about her disdain for President Ruto, stating she would not even wish to meet him.
“His DNA is lies and more lies. So, I will be wasting time. His DNA is to violate human rights. It is corruption schemes,” Karua asserted.
“The country has never gone through what it’s going through now.”
The former Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition running mate claimed that despite several months of the broad-based government’s existence, there has been no positive output or change in behavior from government agencies.
“Even when Raila talked against abductions, government agencies like police, NIS (National Intelligence Service) have still come to tell the court ‘we don’t know’, yet we know for sure it’s them,” she said.
Karua further alleged unauthorized withdrawals from the Treasury under the watch of John Mbadi, one of Odinga’s allies who received a government position in the broad-based arrangement.
“So what’s the use? That’s why there are those who feel that being in the broad-based government is for their own gain,” she remarked.
According to Karua, the government cannot truly be considered “broad-based” as its inclusivity only extends to ODM and sections of Jubilee.
“Though they claim it’s not Jubilee, those are people who were aligned with the party previously, except (ICT Cabinet Secretary William) Kabogo. So, it’s for their own good; not that of Kenyans,” she said.
The PLP leader also suggested that Odinga is conflicted on positions he should take on various national issues.
“He’s actually finding himself talking against the same government he’s working with,” Karua observed.
“So, you can see his heart is in the right place but sometimes his actions… I don’t know what confuses the other.”
Karua unveiled her PLP party two months ago, marking the end of the Narc-Kenya party she had led previously.
She expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, saying, “It has been good and the going is very promising. The members are happy, we are happy.”
The veteran politician also addressed her political future, reiterating her determination not to serve as anyone’s running mate again after partnering with Odinga in the 2022 elections.
“I’m running to finish successfully,” she declared. “I’m done with that one (being a running mate), and I played it to my best.”
Her comments came shortly after a photo circulated of a meeting she had with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and several former cabinet ministers including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Mithika Linturi, and Mukhisa Kituyi.
While speculation about a potential coalition has emerged, Karua did not provide details about the meeting, with her handlers describing it as a private affair.
Reflecting on her experience as Odinga’s running mate in 2022, Karua said they were well-aligned on policy, but her late entry into the Azimio ticket worked to their disadvantage.
“One of things I learnt is that entering late has its disadvantages. I entered Azimio late. You are not able to blend seamlessly with the organization,” she explained.
As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 elections, Karua’s strong criticism of both President Ruto and the broad-based government arrangement signals her intent to position herself as a formidable opposition figure with presidential ambitions.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has defended former Prime Minister Raila Odinga against accusations from some Kenyans that he did not play a significant role in the country’s push for multipartyism.
Although they may have political differences, Karua asserts that Odinga’s contributions are well-documented.
“Even though we differ politically truth be said Raila Odinga was an integral part of the 2nd liberation alongside James Orengo and others,” she stated.
Karua believes that Raila’s critics should acknowledge this part of history and recognize the sacrifices he has made along the way.
“We cannot change history he was detained, jailed and like James Orengo forced to flee Kenya for a while,” she explained.
The PLP leader, who was Raila’s running mate in the 2022 Presidential Elections, emphasized that democracy involves having divergent views and sometimes agreeing to disagree on issues.
She stated that Raila has played his role and urged others to contribute as well to improve Kenya.
“Any one of us has a role to make Kenya a better place for ourselves and generations to come so let each do their bit,” she stated.
Social media has been awash with reports that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his long-term ally, Siaya Governor James Orengo, were not reading from the same page.
The claims were exacerbated after professionals from the Luo community threatened to sponsor an impeachment motion against Orengo for criticising the broad-based government.
The discussion regarding the said fallout extended to Saturday, April 19, 2025, with Kenyans on various social media platforms wading into the debate.
Karua was forced to add her voice to the matter after some social media users claimed Raila did not fight for the country’s liberation.
Threats on Orengo
Orengo has dominated headlines in recent times after he called out senior politicians over what he termed as psychophancy to the government.
His sentiments did not augur well with Luo professionals who claimed that he was sabotaging the newly found bromance between Raila and President William Ruto.
Nyanza professionals organisation dubbed Ramogi Professional Caucus reiterated that the community (Luo) is united behind the Ruto-Raila pact for development.
“We want to tell Siaya Governor James Orengo that we are not happy with his remarks at Oduor’s burial on Saturday. As a community, we are united and fully support the broad-based government. This is the only way we can ensure we develop economically. We cannot be in opposition forever,” Joshua Nyamori, RPC Chairman, says.
“If he continues like this, we will even impeach him,” Polycarp Ochilo, a member, added.
Raila’s Say
Meanwhile, ODM party leader Raila Odinga has urged members to engage in discussions about the future of the party without resorting to personal attacks.
In his appeal, Raila called on ODM leaders to demonstrate “decorum, civility, restraint, and respect for one another” as they deliberate on the party’s current state and future direction.
His call comes in response to apparent divisions arising from the party’s decision to unite and collaborate with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
However, he downplayed claims that the ongoing discussions threaten the future of ODM.
“Mr. Odinga believes the discussions are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have gone on in equally strong parties in established democracies,” stated Dennis Onyango, Raila Odinga’s spokesperson.
Onyango confirmed that the former Prime Minister is closely monitoring the ongoing discussions regarding the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration. “He is also paying keen attention to the various interpretations of the Memorandum of Understanding with the United Democratic Alliance,” he added.
NARC-Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has rebranded her party to People’s Liberation Party at an event attended by Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Rigathi Gachagua.
During the launch, Karua emphasized the need for unity of purpose to ensure prosperity and for elected leaders to prioritize service delivery.
“The call for unity is the foundation of the liberation movement and our commitment today is to do just that,” she stated.
During the ceremony, Musyoka stated that the party will join an action-oriented unity movement.
“We are going to unite under an idea, under an agenda. It cannot just be unity for the sake of removing an individual because of misrule,” he said.
On his part, Gachagua urged the youth to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general elections and not just fight for liberation on social media.
“The real transformation of this country will happen on the ballot, Gen-Z, register as voters and on the election day wake up early and go vote to elect the leaders you want. We will support you,” he said.
PLP has new colors including purple, lilac, and white, moving away from red, white, and green of the NARC-Kenya party.
In addition to the new name, the party’s slogan will henceforth be “Unite” and “Liberate,” replacing the old one, “One Kenya, One Nation, One People.”
The party’s symbol has also changed from a red rose to a purple rose.
According to Karua, the change in the colour of the petals does not signify a shift away from the party’s original mission, which was established in 2006.
The one-time Presidential candidate in 2013 explained that the broader strategy of PLP aims to resonate more with the Generation Z demographic, who are expected to play a pivotal role in the 2027 General Election.
The rebrand comes after Eugene Wamalwa opened the new Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters in a ceremony which was also attend by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
It also comes as impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been on the lookout putting together a coalition of the willing, which so far has involved Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya), and Karua, signaling their willingness to work together.
The Kenyan political scene continues to **unravel** with each day showing different twists of events. Given there’s no permanent friend or enemy, just common interests, today the unthinkable happened.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua paid a courtesy call to Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua at her rural home in Kirinyaga County on Saturday, January 25, 2025, where they agreed to work together with the common goal of dethroning President William Ruto in 2027.
Speaking at the event that brought together the two former political nemeses, Gachagua stated that they had held a meeting in which they agreed on how they will be working ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that his political camp will be regularly consulting Karua based on her extensive experience in politics, public service, and legal matters.
Gachagua further stated that his camp will also work with other like-minded Kenyans.
Gachagua thanks Karua
Gachagua also expressed his gratitude to Karua for hosting him together with his team, noting that he would leave Kirinyaga a happy man for having reunited with his 2022 presidential election opponent.
He expressed confidence that the country would be liberated if Kenyans decided to join hands and work together.
“We have had a good conversation, and we have agreed that going forward we are going to work together with other Kenyans. I want to assure you that many Kenyans are looking for leadership. We will work together with like-minded Kenyans, patriots, and people who care for this country. We shall benefit a lot from her counsel; we will consult her regularly alongside other Kenyans of goodwill so that we liberate this country,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua went ahead to call for the process of reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to be expedited after the courts gave a nod.
According to Gachagua, IEBC should be in place as soon as possible to allow the pending by-elections in various constituencies and wards to take place.
He further argued that a section of Kenyans will use the opportunity to recall their Members of Parliament (MPs) who have failed in their mandate.
Gachagua’s call on youth
Gachagua also used his visit to Karua’s home to call on the Kenyan youth to continue keeping the government in check and to register as voters so that they can realize the change they are yearning for through the ballot come 2027.
“I want to tell the Gen Zs that what you are doing on smartphones is very good, and I want to encourage you, and I want to say congratulations. But that is not enough; the actual transformation of this country would be on the ballot. The public awareness on the smartphone is good, but the final transformation of getting good leadership will be on the ballot, so I want to encourage the Gen Zs to register as voters,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua, who was impeached last year on multiple charges, has been actively engaging with the Mt Kenya region, seeking to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed its intention to potentially halt the admission of Ugandan lawyers into Kenyan practice following the Uganda Law Council’s refusal to grant a temporary practising licence to Senior Counsel Martha Karua. Karua sought this permission to defend opposition figures Kizza Bisigye and Obeid Lutale in Kampala’s general court martial where they face charges related to the illegal possession of firearms.
In a strongly worded letter dated December 10, LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the Uganda Law Council’s decision as “disrespectful, arrogant, and dismissive.” She highlighted the offense this caused not only to the cooperative relations between the Kenyan and Ugandan legal fraternities but also to the manner and rationale behind the decision.
The Uganda Law Council, in its correspondence to Karua on December 6, rejected her application citing reasons such as her alleged lack of unique skills to justify the licence and the absence of necessary identification and academic documents. Additionally, they accused her of misconduct, including presenting herself in court without a valid Ugandan practising certificate.
Odhiambo voiced her astonishment at the Council’s apparent disregard for Kenyan legal professionals, especially one as esteemed as Karua. She emphasized Kenya’s role in promoting regional legal collaboration, allowing advocates from neighboring countries to practice within Kenya, predominantly from Uganda, and stressed the unfair restrictions Kenyan lawyers face abroad.
“It is inconceivable that the Law Council of Uganda would hold such little regard for Kenyan practitioners, no less a reputable and long-standing member of the Senior Counsel Bar,” Odhiambo said.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo.
“Given our responsibility to safeguard Kenyan legal practice under the LSK Act, we can no longer tolerate this blatant disrespect,” Odhiambo stated, indicating plans to engage with the Attorney General for a solution that would uphold mutual respect and legal dignity.
Moreover, LSK is contemplating suspending the admission of Ugandan lawyers until mutual recognition agreements are established, a move aimed at maintaining the integrity of Kenyan legal practice.
“To further protect the integrity of legal practice in Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya is actively considering, after necessary consultations, the suspension of admission of advocates from the Uganda Law Society until such a time as reciprocal arrangements are appreciated and implemented. This measure, though regrettable, is necessary to uphold the dignity and equity of Kenyan legal practice,” Odhiambo said.
Bisigye and Lutale are accused of possessing illegal firearms across multiple countries including Kenya, Greece, and Switzerland, with specific charges related to an incident in Nairobi in November 2024. The military court proceedings were delayed when Karua attempted to represent them but was barred due to her lack of a Ugandan licence.
Karua, in response, wrote a letter on December 9 challenging the character and professional critique from the Council, arguing it was an unjust attack on her integrity. She further communicated with the Uganda Law Society on December 10, urging them to support her reapplication for a special practising certificate under Article 19 of the IBA Standards, which calls for cooperation in granting foreign lawyers the right to represent clients.
Karua emphasized the importance of the East African Community’s principles in supporting cross-border legal practice, looking forward to the Uganda Law Society’s assistance in navigating this dispute.
Uganda Opposition leader Kizza Besigye was traced to a military detention centre after he went missing in Nairobi on Saturday, November 16.
He was later traced to a military detention centre in Kampala, Uganda, his wife Winnie Byanyima said.
It is not clear who was behind the incident.
He had come to Nairobi to attend an event organized by Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, Byanyima said.
Byanyima who is the executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), on Wednesday, asked Uganda’s military to release her husband Besigye from military detention in Kampala where he’s reportedly being held.
He had gone missing in Nairobi where he came to attend a book launch by Kenya’s former Minister for Justice, Martha Karua.
The motive behind the incident is not yet clear.
The four-time presidential contender is said to have gone missing in Kenyan on Saturday.
Officials said that the veteran opposition leader was last seen on Saturday evening at an apartment complex on Riverside Drive in Nairobi.
He had been trailed and abducted before being driven to Uganda, almost 500 kilometers away.
“I request the government of Uganda to release my husband Dr Kizza Besigye from where he is being held immediately. He was kidnapped last Saturday while he was in Nairobi for Hon Martha Karua’s book launch. I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala. We his family and his lawyers demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?” Byanyima posted on her X handle on Wednesday.
Besigye had been booked to stay at a hotel in Hurlingham, which is about 15 minutes by car from the Riverside Drive apartment.
An official at the hotel said Besigye had not returned to the hotel since he left on Saturday.
There was no immediate comment from police authorities in Nairobi.
His disappearance follows the July 23 arrest of 36 Ugandan activists associated with him in Kisumu before they were shipped to Uganda.
The political activists were abducted and ferried back to Uganda where they were charged with treason and remanded to Kitalya Prison.
The activists, who were recently released on bail, pleaded not guilty to the charges and said they were attending a workshop when they were arrested.
The 36 activists claim to have been tortured during their detention.
Kenya has been fighting the abduction claims saying all those being arrested are usually taken to gazette police stations for processing.
Wiper party leader and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya principal, Kalonzo Musyoka, has announced his intention to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Kalonzo reiterated his commitment to remain in opposition, asserting that his conscience would not allow him to join government.
“My conscience will not allow me. For the love of this nation, we will stand firm. Even William Ruto knows that Kalonzo will be his opponent; he knows this clearly,” Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo spoke on Friday during a visit to the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa in Kihome, Othaya Constituency, Nyeri County, where he attended a symbolic priesthood ceremony for Prophetess Leah Overflow.
Leaders accompanying the wiper leader including Jeremiah Kioni and Eugene Wamalwa declared Kalonzo as their leader saying they have released Azimio leader Raila Odinga to contest for African Union Commission Chairmanship.
“We have released Raila to contest for the AU Commission Chair, but we will continue working with Kalonzo Musyoka in the opposition to keep the government in check,” Wamalwa said.
Kalonzo’s resolute stance comes in the wake of President Ruto’s reconstitution of Cabinet to include four members from the ODM party.
Raila has however maintained that neither the ODM Party not has entered into a coalition agreement with Ruto’s UDA party.
“Neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto’s UDA party. We had anticipated the crafting of clear terms of engagement based on issues we raised in our various communiques,” Raila stated.
The four ODM nominees include MP and ODM Chairman John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy).
Raila Odinga’s absence at the burial ceremony of CDF General Francis Ogolla at his home did not only catch everyone by surprise but also sparked a wave of speculations.
Raila, who comes from Nyanza region, just like Ogolla, was a relative as revealed by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga during the burial. Raila’s mother hailed from Alego, same as Ogolla, making the General his ‘uncle’.
Raila being the defacto leader of the Luo, was expected to headline the funeral which was also attended by President William Ruto.
Mr. Odinga was however seen attending a football match between local teams in Nairobi. His brother Oburu Odinga who represented him in the ceremony said the former prime minister was disposed to attend.
However, sources speaking to Kenya Insights allude to a strategic scheme by Odinga to avert a possible fallout and generally to preserve his image as a candidate for the up coming African Union election.
Odinga is also keen not to fracture his newly formed relationship with Ruto, “Raila is keen not to antagonise Ruto due to his bid for the AU seat. He didn’t want to be forced into pushing the theory of an assassination of Gen. Ogolla in front of Ruto.” The source said.
From the inception of the crash, majority of Azimio leaders have subtly advanced their view that there was a foul play in the fatal accident.
We learn from our insider source that Raila’s absence was an internal agreement in Azimio. “They knew that if Raila attends, then the organizers will give him a chance to address mourners, hence blocking the other Azimio luminaries. So, the agreement was that Kalonzo or Martha Karua was to be chosen to speak on behalf of Azimio. This is the reason why Kalonzo broke the protocol to invite Martha, and he was forced to come and recognize the presence of Wajackoyah and Mwangi wa Iria after the duo complained that Kalonzo ignored them.”
Also as part of their strategy, Dr. Oburu and Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi tried so hard to push the assassination theory, and even it is said they have tried to push the family to demand an investigation, and the family has refused to play along.
Oburu in his speech said the Luo community has in the past lost high-ranking leaders under unclear circumstances hence need to probe for the truth.
“Even though it was an accident; in this region we’ve had many such accidents and we’ve also had assassinations of leaders from this region. So when such things happen we are a bit suspicious not because of anything, but we want to know the truth,” Oburu said.
Oburu differed sharply with Joel Rabuku Omondi, the general’s son who had ruled out foul play in his father’s death, “I want to ask our Uncle, the General’s son, young man, don’t be impatient with us allow investigators to do their work! It’s not because of anything it is because once bitten twice shy. We asking for no stones to be left unturned and let us know the truth on who killed General Ogolla.” Oburu said.
Family rules out foul play
The general’s family differed. Joel was very close to the father and is said to know a lot of things about the father and that he went with the father to some of the most sensitive places and meetings hence he took charge of the funeral on behalf of the family.
Speaking during the funeral service at Senator Obama Primary school in Ng’iya area Siaya County yesterday, Joel said that his father had disclosed to him how he enjoyed a cordial relationship with President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Joel said that his death was a big blow to the three with whom he had great plans to turn around the security situation in the country.
“He would tell me, I have had a very good meeting with the boss. And not with the President alone but also with the Deputy President as well. He really enjoyed his company and formed very serious rela- tionship of securing the country. And the cabinet secretary (Duale), these people become like brothers,” Joel said.
The Ogolla’s family during the burial.
He said that the President was equally devastated by the untimely death of General Ogolla calling on the pub- lic to stop speculating about what could have caused the death of his father. “Even yesterday (Saturday) people were still speculating, ooh President appointed him because of this. I want to clear the air about the conversations I had with my fa- ther about his time with the President. He didn’t divulge any national security issues but generally, I feel it is important to clear the air.
“The President didn’t have to appoint him first of all. And nitially, he saw his competencies and decided that this was the man for the job. Very quickly they started becoming friends and they formed a serious chemistry,” he said.
The refusal of the family to advance the assassination narrative didn’t ogre go well with most regional leaders. Hence Oburu’s call that the death of Gen. Ogola was beyond the family. It is was made to appear as more of a tribe issue, hence the luonization of Ogolla’s death and Raila eyeing the continental position could not risk to be the headline of that theory.
Raila, however, attended the memorial service at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday.
Another unnamed politician cited by a local daily said the Bomas controversy and the ‘mood on the ground’ could have led to Raila skipping the event because he would not be in a position to talk about some of the issues that his supporters could have wanted him to address.
“The way the people applauded Senator Oburu and Governor Orengo signals what they wanted to hear and Raila may have avoided going that route due to his working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza regime,” noted the politician.
Analysts also view the move by Raila to issue a separate press release away from his Azimio co-principals could be a pointer that he did not want to issue a hard-hitting statement to the government that is backing his African Union Commission chairmanship bid.
While Raila in his statement urged the government to expedite the probe into the cause of the accident that claimed Ogolla’s life, his co-principals Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Mwangi Wa Iria, Eugene Wamalwa and George Wajackhoya raised concerns on the accident they want the Ruto-led administration to respond to.
Raila raised concerns about the state of helicopters and other equipment being used by the security officers.
“Many near-death encounters have occurred with the security aircraft. We may never know what exactly brought down the helicopter in which the general died.
“It is our prayer that this tragedy may mark the beginning of a serious relook into our security equipment, especially aircrafts with a view to undertaking a complete overhaul and modernization of the equipment. That was the General’s vision,” he said.
Azimio Principal Martha Karua refuted claims of an impending separation between herself and coalition leader Raila Odinga.
Speculations about a strained relationship arose when Karua was conspicuously absent from the Kamukunji Rally on Friday, July 7, and the subsequent march to Central Park in Nairobi’s CBD.
In her place, Raila Odinga was accompanied by former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, suggesting trouble between the 2022 presidential candidate and his running mate.
Karua addressed these reports, stating that her absence from the capital was due to her simultaneous rally in Kirinyaga. She reiterated that she had initiated the process of collecting signatures to repeal the Finance Act 2023, aligning with Odinga’s expectations.
This clarification put to rest allegations that Raila intended to replace his former running mate with Mwangi wa Iria.
During the mass rally on July 7, the Azimio Coalition adopted a new strategy to exert pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to reduce the cost of living.
Unlike previous practices of hosting a single large rally in Nairobi, coalition leaders held simultaneous rallies nationwide.
While Karua led anti-government protests in Kirinyaga, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka initiated a signature collection drive in Kathiani, Machakos County. Similarly, Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K), and George Wajackoya, leader of the Roots party, led demonstrations in the Western region.
Odinga announced that similar protests would be organized throughout the country on Wednesday, July 12.
On Saturday, July 8, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the signature collection drive, deeming it a futile endeavor without constitutional support. Gachagua stated that the constitution only permits the removal of a sitting president through an election victory, not through signatures.
Martha Karua vs Mwangi wa Iria?
There is no evidence to suggest that Mwangi wa Iria is intentionally overshadowing Martha Karua in the Azimio camp. While Karua’s absence from a recent rally and Mwangi wa Iria’s presence alongside Raila Odinga sparked speculation, it is important to note that political dynamics can be complex and multifaceted.
It is not uncommon for political leaders to engage with various individuals and groups to build alliances and support. Any assumptions about one individual intentionally blocking another’s shine would be speculative and unsubstantiated.
