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Azimio begins mass recruitment in fresh battle against Ruto government

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir and other opposition politicians are pictured with their supporters during a tour of Mombasa County on January 27, 2024. (Photo: X/ Raila Odinga)

By Apollo Ochieng | Friday, February 2, 2024

Opposition chief Raila Odinga's coalition says the drive is aimed at increasing their visibility in preparation for a fresh confrontation with President William Ruto's government.

Political parties affiliated to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance, an opposition coalition, have rolled out mass recruitment exercises in a bid to increase their numbers this years as they prepare for a fresh confrontation with the government.

The coalition, led by opposition chief Raila Odinga, says the drive is aimed at increasing their visibility in preparation fora confrontation over Kenya's leadership issues and the ever-increasing cost of living.

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The parties - the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the Party of National Unity and Jubilee party – all members of the Azimio coalition - have their sights set on all parts of the country.

ODM, which is Odinga's party, has held recruitment drives for the last two weeks to drum up support in the Nyanza, Western and Coast regions, recruiting members in counties including Siaya, Migori, Vihiga, Kwale, Mombasa, Taita Taveta and Kilifi.

Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said the party has finished recruiting grassroots leaders in readiness for the mass member registration.

"The leaders we just recruited will play an important role in rolling out the exercise. So far, we have already set up leadership structures in Murang'a, Meru, Lamu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Nyandarua and Nyeri counties. Jubilee is firmly in Azimio," Kioni said.

PNU said it has also begun the exercise and is gearing up for aggressive grassroots recruitment programmes.

PNU Chairman Peter Munya said they expect to raise their numbers in Azimio's fresh quest to challenge President William Ruto and his government.

"The country is in the ICU at the moment. The problems cannot wait. We must speak to the people," he said, adding they will tour Meru and Murang'a counties in the next two weeks.

ODM Director of Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi said the orange party is confident about raising its numbers for a stronger fight against the government.

"ODM is currently one of the largest political parties in the country, going by the number of elected officials and members. We want to keep up the momentum," said Wandayi, who is also the National Assembly majority leader.