Fresh political tensions have emerged after Professor Fred Ogola, Commissioner at the People’s Restorative Justice Commission, claimed that President William Ruto is uneasy following the revival of the Azimio coalition.
Speaking in the wake of Azimio’s decision to appoint Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as its new coalition leader after the death of Raila Odinga, Prof. Ogola said the political landscape is shifting and unsettling the ruling side.
“Ruto is uncomfortable because Azimio has been resurrected. He is angry and worked up because, for ODM to form a coalition with UDA, it must officially exit Azimio. ODM's NDC will be so chaotic that no decisions will be made whatsoever,” Prof. Ogola stated.
His remarks come at a time when speculation is rife over possible political realignments, particularly involving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Azimio’s move to hand Kalonzo the leadership mantle is seen as a strategy to keep the coalition intact and politically active despite Raila’s absence. The announcement has energized supporters who believe the coalition still has a strong national presence.
However, questions remain over ODM’s next political steps. Any attempt by ODM to formally partner with UDA would require a structured withdrawal from Azimio, a process that could spark internal divisions within the party.
Prof. Ogola argued that the anticipated National Delegates Conference (NDC) of ODM could turn chaotic due to competing interests and sharp disagreements over the party’s direction.