The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has revealed that the Jubilee party is assisting them in planning the Azimio la Umoja event scheduled for December 10.
In his address to the media on Monday, December 6, Sifuna stated that it was evident that they were in partnership with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party adding that the Kasarani event was not exclusive to the ODM party.
The party official went ahead to disclose that Raila had met Jubillee party officials even as he prepares to officially launch his presidential bid on Friday.
"It is now common knowledge that what we are going to do moving forward is a joint effort between the two political parties.
“Earlier this morning (Monday), Raila was meeting with the leadership of the Jubilee party and the ODM party in Nairobi county and this is to prepare for the event and that it is something that we are doing together,” he stated.
Additionally, Sifuna added that members of the Jubilee party would also attend the most anticipated event hinting at formally forming an alliance before the 2022 polls.
"I believe that all the supporters of the president and those of Raila will be welcome to Kasarani.
"It is something that we have already resolved that we are going to walk together as the two political parties and especially here in Nairobi. I think it is consensus that if the two political parties are working together then all the seats will be available for our coalition," the ODM SG revealed.
In the interview, Sifuna also disclosed that they have already filled the 60,000 sitting capacity of the Kasarani stadium.
“It has been overwhelming, I wish Kasarani was bigger. We have a capacity of about 60,000 people but as it is right now we are overwhelmed by the number of people that want to come,” Sifuna asserted.
The sentiments by Sifuna came moments after the ODM leader met with Members of the Nairobi County Assembly elected on a Jubilee ticket. At the meeting, Raila hinted that they had also invited representatives of the ruling party.
"Gearing up for Friday. Met the Nairobi County ODM and Jubilee Party leadership to ensure we have an extravaganza to behold. We will politic and celebrate," Raila stated.
Additionally, Suna East legislator, Junet Mohamed, a close ally of the ODM leader echoed the sentiments of Sifuna as he received defectors from Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
"That meeting that is planned for December 10, is not for the ODM party. It is a meeting for Azimio la Umoja. The one for ODM will be held in January of February. This is a meeting for all political parties in Kenya who share the same ideology as Raila," Junet stated.
