Party of National Unity (PNU) has hinted at plans underway to exit the embattled Azimio Coalition. According to Chairman Peter Munya the National Executive Committee (NEC) is set to convene a meeting to discuss the dissolution of PNU from Azimio.
“If certain members have chosen to align themselves with the government, they cannot simultaneously serve within the opposition coalition,” said Munya.
“Those of us committed to the opposition must distance ourselves to effectively advocate for the pressing issues facing Kenyans.”
“You cannot occupy both roles of opposition and government simultaneously. We wish the Raila-Odinga led coalition success in their collaboration with the government,” he added.
President William Ruto nominated four ODM members to Cabinet namely: John Mbadi (Chairman), Ali Hassan Joho (Deputy Party Leader), Wycliffe Oparanya (Deputy Party Leader), and Opiyo Wandayi (National Assembly Minority Leader and Director of Political Affairs).
Sifuna demands resignation
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna on Thursday, July 25 disclosed that he was not aware that President William Ruto will be nominating prominent ODM members to his Cabinet.
“ODM has not joined the government. As the Secretary General of ODM, I participate in all party organs and speak on behalf of all those entities,” he stated in an interview with Citizen TV. “There has been much speculation about yesterday’s events, but the reality is that none of the ODM organs I am part of decided to join the Ruto government.”
Sifuna said that he will be expecting the four Cabinet nominees to resign from their party positions before they are vetted by Parliament.
“I expect the resignation of ODM members who were nominated by President Ruto to join his Cabinet before they go for vetting. There is no way Raila would present only male nominees for the CS position; it was not his decision.”
President Ruto and Raila shared a stage at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on July 9, during the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries (IEBC) Amendment Bill.
At that event, Raila indicated that the opposition was open to discussions with the government to address issues raised by youthful protestors.
