"Luos Are Being Used as Pawns" Alai Raises Alarm Over ODM and Azimio Control

Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has ignited fresh debate within Kenya’s opposition politics after publishing a strongly worded statement on his official X account, describing what he termed as the “biggest coup” in the country’s political scene.

In his remarks, Alai pointed to the sudden re-emergence of Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Party within the leadership structure of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, despite the party having exited the alliance earlier.

He attributed this shift to what he described as former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s calculated efforts to reassert influence within Azimio and, by extension, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Alai expressed surprise that Wiper’s return was publicly celebrated by figures such as Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who has not been associated with Azimio.

He further questioned the role of key ODM figures, including Winnie Odinga and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, accusing them of backing Uhuru Kenyatta’s alleged push to control ODM through Azimio structures.

According to Alai, the unfolding events suggest that Sifuna and his allies could end up running ODM affairs via Azimio, a situation he linked to internal leadership tensions.

He claimed that Sifuna does not recognise Oburu Odinga’s authority as ODM party leader, even as Oburu maintains a conciliatory stance toward him.

Alai capped his commentary by highlighting Sifuna’s enthusiastic congratulatory message to Azimio’s “new leadership,” which he cited as evidence of the shifting power dynamics within the opposition.