Martha Karua has ruled out collaboration with Raila Odinga, criticizing his legal standing amid involvement with the Kenya Kwanza government. She advocates for clarification on his political role, asserting that informal engagements are unlawful. Additionally, Odinga cautions that successful presidential bids require broader national support, reflecting uncertainty about potential candidates for the upcoming elections.
Martha Karua, the leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has decisively ruled out any possibility of collaboration with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Her statement arises amid growing scrutiny of Odinga’s interactions with President William Ruto’s administration, where she argues that his dual role is legally untenable. Karua insists that Odinga must choose between formalizing a coalition with the Kenya Kwanza alliance or unequivocally committing himself to the opposition.
Karua criticizes Odinga for engaging with the government without a binding agreement with President Ruto, labelling such behavior as unlawful. She underscores the importance of establishing any alliance according to constitutional provisions, thus terminating what she describes as an “illegal cohabitation” within the Kenya Kwanza government framework.
Odinga’s political trajectory remains ambiguous following a recent two-week nationwide tour, which concluded in Nairobi, focusing on issues faced by the Social Health Authority (SHA). Additionally, he has dismissed the possibility of collaborating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a recent address, Odinga raised questions about the presidential aspirations of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. He indicated that success in the presidential race is contingent on national rather than regional support, stating that votes from Kisii County, Matiang’i’s constituency, would be insufficient for victory.
Odinga remarked, “Someone running for the presidency cannot be elected based on Kisii votes, Luo votes, Luhya votes, or even Mount Kenya votes,” during a consultative meeting in Kisii County. He clarified that he has not received any official confirmation from Matiang’i regarding his presidential intentions, deeming ongoing speculation premature. “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,” Odinga noted.
In summary, Martha Karua has emphatically stated that collaboration with Raila Odinga is not an option, demanding a clear decision regarding Odinga’s role either within the government or opposition. Furthermore, Odinga’s interactions with the administration have prompted legal concerns, leading to calls for formal agreements. His political future appears uncertain, particularly in light of doubts surrounding Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions, highlighting the significance of national support in forthcoming elections.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
