Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition principal Raila Odinga has refuted reports that he has been bribed to form a government of national unity with President William Ruto.
In a statement made while in Dubai, Odinga asserted that he remains in solidarity with the young Kenyans (Gen Zs) who are agitating for good governance in the country.
“The idea that I have agreed to such a government is entirely false,” Raila stated.
He further noted that the issues raised by the protesting Gen Zs were genuine and that the Azimio coalition had raised similar concerns last year, some of which are yet to be addressed.
Additionally, Raila dismissed reports of a split within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) or the Azimio coalition, describing such reports as fabrications.
In a robust response, Odinga refuted rumors of discord within the ODM or Azimio, calling such reports mere fabrications, as stated by Azimio TV.
This development comes amidst an emerging rift within the Azimio coalition, with a faction led by Raila endorsing planned dialogue with President William Ruto, while other affiliate parties, including Wiper, Jubilee, PNU, and Narc-Kenya, firmly oppose the talks.
The differences within the coalition came to a head on July 17, 2024, when a group of goons stormed and disrupted an address by Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, roughing up journalists in the melee that followed.
“People should go outside! everybody out! the meeting is over! Media people, also leave the meeting is over,” some of the goons were heard shouting during the invasion.
Raila later issued an apology after it emerged that he had left the meeting shortly after attending it, citing other commitments.
As a result, Musyoka was unable to read the resolutions of the Parliamentary group meeting.