Martha Karua rejects collaboration with Raila Odinga amid concerns over his engagement with the Kenya Kwanza government. She calls for clarity on his political position and legality of his actions. Meanwhile, Odinga expresses doubt about Fred Matiang’i’s presidential prospects, emphasizing the need for national backing, not just regional support.
Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has decisively ruled out any collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is under scrutiny for his interactions with President William Ruto’s administration. Karua argues that Odinga’s stance, which appears to oscillate between government and opposition, is legally untenable. She insists that Odinga must choose between forming a post-election coalition with the Kenya Kwanza alliance or fully committing to the opposition.
Karua has critiqued Odinga for engaging with the government without a legally binding agreement, labeling these interactions as unlawful. She underscores the importance of formalizing any agreement with Ruto in line with constitutional provisions, advocating for an end to what she describes as an “illegal cohabitation” with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Odinga’s political future is uncertain after a two-week nationwide consultative tour, which concluded in Nairobi, focusing on issues related to the Social Health Authority (SHA). During discussions in Wajir, he dismissed the likelihood of collaborating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, Odinga has expressed skepticism about the potential presidential bid of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, stating that success in the presidential race requires national support rather than merely regional backing. He highlighted that relying solely on votes from Kisii County, Matiang’i’s home region, would not suffice for a presidential win.
Odinga has not received formal confirmation from Matiang’i about his presidential ambitions, characterizing recent claims as speculative. He stated, “This is something we will deal with when the right time comes. Mr Matiang’i has not yet come forward to speak and clarify that he wants to run for the presidency.”
In summary, Martha Karua has firmly opposed any partnership with Raila Odinga due to his ambiguous position regarding the Kenya Kwanza government. She emphasizes the necessity of formal agreements and highlights the legal implications of Odinga’s current actions. Meanwhile, Odinga remains cautious about the presidential ambitions of Fred Matiang’i, stressing the need for broad national support in any electoral contest.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
