By The Weekly Vision Team
The recent revelation by Prof. Makau Mutua through his verified X account stating how Azimio la Umoja’s Deed of Agreement contains no provision for a presidential running mate to automatically assume the role of party leader has thrown a spanner in the works for Hon. Martha Karua.
The statement by Prof. Mutua refers to a recent declaration put forth by Martha Karua, the leader of Narc-Kenya. As per her statement, in the absence of Raila Odinga, she is deemed to be Azimio’s party leader by default, owing to her role as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the last general elections. The primary concern lies in determining whether Mutua’s actions are driven by Mr Odinga’s agenda or if Prof. Mutua was merely engaging himself in tribal politics by advocating for the succession of Raila Odinga to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Prof. Makau Mutua and Kalonzo Musyoka both hail from Ukambani.
In the lead-up to the last general elections, Prof.Mutua acted as Raila Odinga’s official spokesperson. Could it be that he is communicating a message to Karua on behalf of his former boss, Raila Odinga? Additionally, it is important to recognize that Mutua previously led Azimio’s think tank during the last elections; he was the custodian of the Azimio Deed of Agreement. The fact that he has responded emphatically to Karua’s comments signifies that his perspective is based on extensive knowledge of the contents of the said Deed of Agreement and should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
But being from Ukambani, is he simply endorsing his tribesman, Kalonzo Musyoka, or is he merely passing on Raila’s message to Karua? Analysts have suggested that Prof. Mutual’s comments indirectly referred to Raila Odinga’s succession politics within Azimio and the potential vacancy in the Azimio coalition in the 2027 presidential race if Raila Odinga secures the African Union Commission Chairmanship.
It is widely acknowledged that Kalonzo Musyoka will be running for president in 2027, with Eugene Wamlwa as his chosen running mate. Furthermore, it should also be noted that Ms. Karua could enter the 2027 presidential race. However, there are also Odinga’s close allies who maintain the view that Mr Odinga will be a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. Consequently, if Prof. Mutua were to make public or reveal the specifics of the Azimio Deeds of Agreement, it would prevent Karua from automatically assuming the position of deputy party leader. It is also rumoured that Raila’s political strategy involved deliberately establishing the position of Azimio Deputy Party Leader without appointing anyone to the position, indicating a calculated move to achieve a specific political objective.
