Martha Karua has ruled out collaboration with Raila Odinga, criticizing his interactions with the Kenya Kwanza government as legally unsustainable. She calls for a formal decision between aligning with the ruling party or fully committing to the opposition. Odinga, facing scrutiny about his political alliances and potential presidential contenders like Fred Matiang’i, suggests broader national support is essential for election success.
Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has decisively ruled out any prospective collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Her stance arises amid growing scrutiny of Odinga’s ties with President William Ruto’s administration, where she argues his dual role is not legally sustainable. Karua demands that Odinga must choose between solidifying a post-election coalition with the Kenya Kwanza alliance or fully supporting the opposition.
Critiquing Odinga’s interactions with the government, Karua stated that such actions lack a formal, legally binding agreement, branding them as unlawful. She stressed the importance of formalizing any agreement with Ruto as per constitutional protocols to cease what she described as an “illegal cohabitation” with the current government.
Odinga’s political future appears uncertain following his recent nationwide tour to address pressing issues, including those concerning the Social Health Authority (SHA). During a forum in Wajir, he dismissed potential collaborations with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 elections.
Further, Odinga expressed skepticism about the presidential aspirations of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. He pointed out that winning a presidential election requires broader national support rather than reliance solely on regional votes. “Someone running for the presidency cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes,” he stated after meeting with Kisii residents.
In light of speculations regarding Matiang’i’s ambitions, Odinga emphasized that he has yet to receive any formal confirmation from Matiang’i himself about the potential bid. “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,” he remarked.
Martha Karua’s firm rejection of collaboration with Raila Odinga underscores the complexities of Kenyan opposition politics, particularly regarding legal standings in partnerships with the government. With increasing scrutiny and the necessity of formal agreements emphasized by Karua, Odinga faces significant pressure to clarify his political affiliations. Furthermore, his thoughts on the viability of Matiang’i as a presidential candidate reflect broader challenges in garnering national support for political ambitions in Kenya.
Original Source: mwakilishi.com
