The Azimio Coalition is facing internal strains after the recent impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa joined hands in condemning the ouster of Gachagua. Kalonzo termed it “an injustice.” He went further and blamed the Azimio MPs who took part in the process.
“We expected better from our own,” said Kalonzo. “This betrayal runs deep within the coalition.”
The two-pointing accusing fingers at the Orange Democratic Movement headed by President Ruto accused ODM of failing to uphold the resolutions made by Azimio during the voting process.
They briefed the media at Karen Hospital, where Gachagua was admitted after complaining of chest pains. Kalonzo said he did not expect anything different from what happened.
“I knew it would come to this,” he said. “Having served as Deputy Speaker, I know how fast things change.”
Kalonzo also criticized the Senate for denying Gachagua a chance to defend himself. “He was sick and needed to be heard,” he emphasized.
The take of Eugene Wamalwa was no different. “The Senate breached the principles of natural justice,” he said, adding that both chambers had acted at the behest of the Executive.
He singled out the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his Deputy Gladys Boss Shollei for criticism. “Open bias was shown by Wetang’ula and Shollei, he claimed. “There could not be a fair trial.”
Notwithstanding the criticism, Wamalwa praised Azimio Senators who opposed Gachagua’s ouster. “Senator Wambua Kituyi captured everything Azimio stands for, he noted. “Robert Mbui spoke for us all.
He indicated that with Azimio, they can no longer feign to share a common understanding like ODM. “We can no longer pretend we are like-minded,” said Wamalwa.
He explained that on many issues, there are profound differences with Raila-led ODM, including the impeachment of Gachagua and government engagements.
