Opposition Figures Absent from Jamhuri Day Amidst Political Differences
Summary:
Leaders from the Azimio coalition, including Raila Odinga, chose not to attend this year’s Jamhuri Day festivities, marking the fourth consecutive national event they have skipped. The decision is attributed to ongoing political differences, with the opposition vocalizing criticism of President William Ruto’s policies and resorting to legal action. Raila, particularly, has contested Ruto’s economic measures in court.
Speculation arises as prominent Azimio leaders, who have been openly critical of President William Ruto’s policies, were notably missing from this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations, continuing a pattern of opposition figures avoiding national events. The opposition’s sharp critique of Ruto’s administration and their involvement in legal battles may be the driving force behind their decision to abstain.
Raila Odinga, Azimio’s leader, voiced his concerns about the country’s direction under Ruto on LinkedIn. He highlighted issues such as a child resorting to court over KCPE marks and workers taking home only a third of their salaries due to taxes, branding Ruto’s economic policies as draconian and insensitive.
While Martha Karua maintained a low profile, Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of Wiper, issued a message stressing the importance of cherishing the liberty fought for by the nation’s founding fathers. Despite attending a church service in Mombasa on Sunday, the opposition figures deliberately avoided the national celebrations.
Raila’s recourse to legal action against Ruto’s economic policies adds to the existing political differences. The decision to skip the event follows the National Dialogue Committee’s report, which proposed radical amendments to laws and the Constitution, a product of bipartisan talks between Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza government.
This marks the fourth consecutive occasion Azimio leaders have chosen to miss national celebrations, having previously skipped Mashujaa Day and Madaraka Day. The absence during Ruto’s national day festivities underscores the persistent political discord.
Under Ruto’s leadership, opposition figures have consistently avoided national events, with Raila also skipping Jamhuri Day in 2022 and leaving the country before Mashujaa Day. As Ruto observes his fifth National Day celebration since assuming office, the absence of opposition leaders highlights the enduring political divisions.
During Mashujaa Day, Musyoka expressed optimism for the next decade, emphasizing the significance of every Kenyan’s vote and acknowledging the sacrifices made for the nation’s independence. As political differences endure, the opposition’s decision to forego national celebrations reflects a broader narrative of discord and dissent.
