Azimio Leaders Warn Ruto Against Using AUC Seat To Silence ODM Leader: "Stop Blackmailing Raila"

• Remarks by ODM leader Raila Odinga that Kenya Kwanza government was incompetent attracted criticism from President William Ruto's allies
• National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah said Raila should respect Ruto as he was campaigning for him to win the African Union Commission's seat
• However, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders said AUC seat should be used to silence Raila

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders have defended ODM leader Raila Odinga's remarks about President William Ruto's administration being 'clueless'.

The ODM leader has been under sharp criticism from key allies of the president after he harshly rated the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Azimio leaders respond to threats by Kenya Kwanza

However, speaking on Sunday, April 5, opposition leaders led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, said the former prime minister should be allowed to express his views about the issues affecting the common Kenyan.

According to Kalonzo, the government should not use Raila's quest for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship position to gag him.

"We have heard Kenya Kwanza leaders castigating Odinga for what he said in Mukuru Kwa Reuben. Odinga is angling for the AUC chairmanship, I don't know if Kenya Kwanza leaders thought they could compromise him because of his quest," Kalonzo said.

On his part, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa cautioned the president against using AUC position to blackmail the veteran politician.

"Our message to Kenya Kwanza is, stop blackmailing Raila Odinga over AUC Chairmanship for calling you out on corruption and incompetence, and declare the current flood crisis a national disaster! Azimio will not be gagged and will remain the Voice of the voiceless, silent, suffering, majority of Kenyans," Wamalwa said.

Why Kenya Kwanza leaders are unhappy with Raila

As reported earlier, Raila's unexpected criticism of Ruto's administration attracted responses from Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders and supporters.

Some asked the president to reconsider supporting the former prime minister in the African Union Commission chairmanship position.

What you need to know about Raila's AUC bid

• Senator Samson Cherargei asked the ODM leader to kneel before President William Ruto and pledge his loyalty to the Kenya Kwanza government.
• Lawyer Miguna Miguna raised concerns about Raila's eligibility for the African Union Commission position.
• Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga as chairperson of the African Union Commission.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

Tiffani Faison's Weight Loss Journey And Transformation (photos)
John Janssen's Net Worth: How Rich Is The Real Housewives Of Orange County Star?
Larry Madoadoa: Man Goes Viral For Funny Impression Of CNN's Madowo Reporting In Flooded Area

Collage of Kalonzo Musyoka (l), Raila Odinga (c) and President William Ruto (r)

Azimio Leaders Warn Ruto Against Using AUC Seat to Silence ODM Leader

List of Elected Leaders Who Ditched Azimio After Raila Lost in August Polls