Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has revealed the new strategy by Azimio leaders to strengthen the coalition and counter Kenya Kwanza's influence.
During an interview on Tuesday, Kioni explained that the Azimio leaders led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga and other principals agreed to retreat to their parties and establish their influence individually.
According to Kioni, this tactic was crucial in wooing the masses and recruiting Kenyans to unite within a common cause.
Kioni referenced the mass recruitment drive by the ODM party in nine counties to revamp the outfit and the resurgence of meetings held by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as proof that the strategy was already underway.
"Azimio leaders agreed that everyone should build their parties individually to strengthen the Azimio. No one has left Azimio but the strength of the coalition is based on the strength of the parties involved," he told TV47.
"That's why you see Raila on a recruitment drive, Kalonzo is having meetings for the Wiper party, and Martha Karua is rallying up the NARC-Kenya party. It was agreed that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that their parties are formidable. Otherwise, what are you doing in Azimio? The parties will be united and will be speaking in one voice."
During the interview, Kioni noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration was afraid of Uhuru's influence within the Mount Kenya region as he was still the region's kingpin.
"We will consult Uhuru openly. It is not a crime. What are you afraid of? Is it because you kept insulting him and now you're afraid that God has shown us your true colours?" Kioni posed.
"Uhuru is still the voice of Kenya. His influence is even much greater than when he was in power because at the time forces used to disrupt his work but now he is out of government. What he did speaks for itself. What he warned us of has also come to fruition. Those who are in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party are still shaking because of the power that Uhuru yields."
He added that the Azimio coalition will continue holding the government accountable, including advocating for a low cost of living.
Azimio wants taxes enshrined in the Finance Act 2023 reduced, failure to which the coalition would mobilize its supporters to resume mass demonstrations.
In December 2023, party leader Raila Odinga warned that he would lead fresh protests against the government starting this year. Raila has yet to set the dates for the protests.
