This archive report was first published on 10 December 2021.
Kenya: Raila Odinga's Azimio La Umoja Convention Draws Top Government Officials ¶
Published on December 10, 2021
At least twenty governors and six Cabinet Secretaries attended Raila Odinga's Azimio la Umoja Convention at the Kasarani Sports Complex in Nairobi, signaling a significant show of support for his 2022 presidential bid.
The convention, which was expected to unveil a political alliance to rival OKA and Deputy President William Ruto-led Hustler Nation movement under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), drew a large turnout of top government officials.
Among the attendees were Cabinet Secretaries Peter Munya (Agriculture), Eugene Wamalwa (Defence), Joe Mucheru (ICT), Keriako Tobiko (Environment), Ukur Yatani (Treasury) and Cecily Kariuki (Water).
Governors from the Nyanza and Western regions, except Migori's Okoth Obado who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto, also attended the event.
Only five governors from President Uhuru Kenyatta's backyard made their way to the function, including James Nyoro (Kiambu), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Martin Wambora (Embu), Nderitu Muriithi (Laikipia) and Lee Kinyanjui (Nakuru).
County chiefs from Mt Kenya East, including Kiraitu Murungi (Meru) and Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), were conspicuously missing.
From the coast, Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta) attended the event.
Other notable attendees included Governor John Lonyagapuo (West Pokot) and Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado).
The governing Jubilee Party, which called off its National Delegates Convention during which an alliance with ODM was to be formalized on November 30, was represented by Vice Chair David Murathe.
Over 100 lawmakers from the National Assembly, including Majority Leader Amos Kimunya and his Minority counterpart John Mbadi, were also in attendance.
Kenya African National Union (KANU) Party Leader Gideon Moi was among leaders at the convention, despite his co-principals, Amani National Congress' Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, and FORD Kenya's Moses Wetangula, giving the event a wide berth.
