Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni officially introduced the Kamwene Leadership Forum on Monday, a coalition aimed at advancing the interests of the Mt Kenya region. Speaking to the press in Nairobi, Karua emphasized their continued commitment to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, where she serves as a co-principal, despite initial concerns that the new forum might suggest divisions within the opposition when it was first announced in September.
Karua played down recent comments from Azimio leader Raila Odinga, which initially appeared to be an endorsement of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the opposition’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, but were later clarified. She stated, “At the moment, we are focusing on the unity of the Mt Kenya people. Kalonzo Musyoka is our ally. We remain committed to Azimio, but the Kamwene Caucus will address Mt Kenya’s specific concerns.”
She further commented on Odinga’s right to endorse a candidate and stressed that such endorsements should not limit the chances of other individuals who may want to join the presidential race.
When asked about the possibility of Odinga supporting Musyoka in the 2027 elections, Karua dismissed such discussions as distractions, telling reporters, “We are not entertaining distractions. Please direct those questions elsewhere; we are here to discuss Kamwene.”
Reports have suggested that Karua and Kioni are dissatisfied with the ongoing bipartisan talks between opposition MPs and members of the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance. Their concerns primarily revolve around Kenya Kwanza’s alleged failure to address the increasing cost of living, a key priority for Azimio. Additionally, they are concerned about President William Ruto’s cooperation with rebel opposition MPs and what they view as Kenya Kwanza’s interference with the Jubilee Party.