The Azimio La Umoja movement was launched by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in July this year as part of his bid for the presidency in the upcoming general election in August 2023. The movement aims to unite Kenyans across ethnic and political divides and promote national unity and development.
Despite the initial skepticism, Azimio La Umoja has gained significant traction over the past few months, with several high-profile personalities joining the movement. These include Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Kisii Governor James Ongwae, and former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Deputy President William Ruto’s attendance at the Kisii rally came as a surprise to many, given the ongoing political differences between him and Raila Odinga. Ruto’s relationship with Raila Odinga has been strained in recent years, culminating in their bitter fallout in the aftermath of the 2017 general election.
Speaking at the rally, Ruto congratulated Raila Odinga on the launch of the Azimio La Umoja movement and pledged his support for its cause. Ruto called on Kenyans to put aside their political differences and work together towards building a better and more prosperous future for the country.
“We may have different views on how to get there, but our destination is the same. We all want to see Kenya succeed and become a better place for our children and grandchildren,” Ruto said.
Ruto also took the opportunity to criticize his political rivals, whom he accused of promoting ethnicity and division for their own political gain. Ruto argued that the Azimio La Umoja movement was essential in bridging the political, ethnic, and religious divides that have plagued Kenya since independence.
“We cannot afford to continue with the politics of ethnicity and division. We need to come together as one people and work towards a common goal. That is the only way we can move forward and build a prosperous and united Kenya,” Ruto said.
On his part, Raila Odinga welcomed Ruto’s support for the Azimio La Umoja movement, saying that it was a sign of the growing support for its cause. Raila Odinga reiterated his commitment to building a national movement that would unite Kenyans and promote national unity and development.
“We are not here to promote any individual or political party. We are here to build a movement that will unite Kenyans and promote national unity and development. I am glad that we are making progress towards that goal, and I welcome the support of everyone who shares our vision,” Raila Odinga said.
The rally at the Kisii town stadium was the latest in a series of events organized by the Azimio La Umoja movement, which has been holding rallies and public engagements across the country. The movement has also launched several initiatives aimed at promoting national unity and development, including the Azimio Business Network, which provides funding and support to small and medium enterprises, and the Azimio Education Program, which offers scholarships and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children.
The movement’s leaders have also been engaging with Kenyans on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, where they have been sharing their vision for the country and responding to questions and concerns raised by citizens.
The growing popularity of the Azimio La Umoja movement has raised concerns among incumbent political leaders, who fear that it could pose a significant challenge to their political ambitions. Some have accused the movement’s leaders of trying to create a personality cult around Raila Odinga, while others have criticized them for their lack of a clear policy agenda.
However, supporters of the movement have defended its leaders, arguing that the Azimio La Umoja movement is not about personalities but about promoting a shared vision for the country’s future. They have also accused the incumbent political leaders of using ethnicity and division to maintain their grip on power and argued that the movement offers a genuine alternative to the status quo.
As the country gears up for the upcoming general election in August 2023, the Azimio La Umoja movement is likely to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape. While it remains to be seen whether it will have a significant impact on the outcome of the election, the movement has already succeeded in igniting a national conversation about the need for unity and development in Kenya.
