A faction of leaders from Kirinyaga County is advocating for NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua to assume leadership of the Azimio movement if Raila Odinga secures the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).
During a gathering at St. Monica Kiarugu Anglican Church, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Maina voiced her support for Karua, citing her previous role as Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 General Election. Maina emphasized Karua’s suitability for the leadership role, highlighting her integrity and global reputation.
Maina referred to Karua as the “iron lady” and asserted that within the Azimio la Umoja coalition, Karua holds the position of second in command, following her partnership with Odinga during the election campaign.
The potential departure of Raila Odinga has led to uncertainties within the Azimio la Umoja coalition, with various party leaders expressing their aspirations for succession. Speculation has arisen regarding whether Odinga will endorse Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka or Martha Karua as the Azimio flagbearer in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Among the figures considered for succession are former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, a member of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and DAP-K party leader Wycliffe Oparanya.
Karua previously engaged in discussions on succession politics, advising Kalonzo Musyoka to focus on self-promotion rather than attempting to diminish her political standing. She expressed this sentiment in response to remarks attributed to Kalonzo suggesting that Karua was unfit for a leadership position.
As discussions on succession continue, Karua’s potential role in the leadership of the Azimio movement remains a topic of interest and debate within Kenyan political circles.
