Tensions Rise Within Azimio Coalition as 2027 Presidential Lineup Unfolds
The political landscape in Kenya is shaping up for the 2027 presidential elections, the Azimio coalition is experiencing internal tensions and conflicts that threaten to fracture the opposition.
High-placed sources within the coalition have disclosed to Kenya Regional News that a power struggle is brewing between long-standing opposition leader Raila Odinga and Stephen Kalonzo, with each vying for the coveted position of the presidential flagbearer.
According to insiders, Raila Odinga, the official opposition leader, is reportedly displeased with Kalonzo’s early and assertive bid for the flagbearer position within the coalition.
Raila has made it clear to his loyalists that he has no intention of relinquishing the position and is determined to be on the ballot in 2027.
The rift between Odinga and Kalonzo has become more apparent, with reports suggesting that Kalonzo is forging an alliance with Eugene Wamalwa, eyeing a joint ticket with Kalonzo as the flagbearer and Wamalwa as his deputy.
This move has intensified tensions within the Azimio coalition, raising concerns about potential divisions that could weaken the opposition’s chances in the upcoming elections.
The internal conflicts are not limited to the power struggle between Odinga and Kalonzo; there are also claims that Raila Odinga is fostering a relationship with President Ruto, the leader of the ruling party.
Speculation is rife that Odinga is seeking Ruto’s support for an African Union (AU) position, further complicating the dynamics within the opposition.
Mount Kenya leaders have also presented a set of demands for their region. These demands, coupled with internal conflicts, threaten to reshape the landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
Key among the Mount Kenya leaders’ demands is the reservation of the deputy president position for their region.
Influential figures, including Martha Karua, Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 general elections, are advocating for this reservation, arguing that the Mount Kenya Region holds the numerical strength to propel a candidate to the presidency in 2027.
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Late-night meetings attended by loyalists of former President Uhuru Kenyatta have indicated a united front in negotiating for the region’s interests.
It has been disclosed that these leaders have received clear instructions from Uhuru to stand firm and advocate for the demands of the Mount Kenya Region, setting the stage for potential negotiations within the Azimio coalition.
Meanwhile, Stephen Kalonzo is actively positioning himself to garner support from the Kamba, Luhya, and Mount Kenya regions.
Kalonzo believes that securing over 70 percent of the combined support from these three regions will pave the way for his presidential bid in 2027.
In a parallel move, Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio coalition, is on a countrywide registration spree for his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This effort is part of the broader strategy to bolster support and ensure a strong foundation for the party. Odinga’s focus on expanding party infrastructure suggests a keen awareness of the need for a robust grassroots presence.
