In a win for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, political parties under the umbrella of the Azimio la Umoja movement have finally settled on a name that would guide the alliance forward ahead of the August General Elections.
Before joining the Azimio movement and embracing Raila Odinga’s presidency, Musyoka demanded that the former premier’s organisation adopt the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) as its official name.
The coalition has finally resolved on a new name, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party, although Odinga’s associates later claimed that the name change was never discussed with Musyoka.
On Friday, secretary generals of Azimi-allied groups, including Jeremiah Kioni (Jubilee), Edwin Sifuna (ODM), Shakila Abdalla (Wiper), and Nick Salat (Kanu), met to form the new political party.
The secretary generals reached an agreement that will guide the name change, which will become official after the alteration is approved by the Registrar of Political Parties.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to the nation’s unity, stability, and prosperity, as outlined in this coalition’s vision.” We will announce our public engagement and political actions in the coming weeks to show Kenyans how we would improve their lives if we are in power,” Shakilla Abdalla said in a joint statement.
Salat, for one, said the changes have strengthened Odinga’s team, adding that all members will now work together to ensure that the ODM leader wins the election.
“We will act with a single goal in mind, and we will provide our team leader with the necessary support to propel him to the leadership of this country,” he stated.
Following that, Kioni praised President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga for laying the groundwork for the new party’s founding, which they claim will shake Kenya’s political landscape.
“By signing the manifesto, the president has directed us not because of what it means to any of us or any of the parties, but because of what this movement means to Kenyans.” “It’s a movement that stands for the country’s togetherness,” Kioni explained.
ODM Secretary General Sifuna further remarked that the new party will ensure that the country’s next government focuses on Kenyans’ hardship.
