This is unlike the 11th and 12th parliaments that had Jubilee, the majority party in the Senate and the National Assembly, being the party forming the government. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party of Raila Odinga, Jubilee Party of President Kenyatta, Wiper Democratic Movement of Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya of Martha Karua and Narc of Charity Ngilu are among the 26 parties that are legally part of the Azimio coalition as per the April 21 coalition agreement. The coalition is also joined by other parties like Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) of Alfred Mutua, United Democratic Movement (UDM) of Mandera Senator Ali Roba, Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) of Ugenya MP David Ochieng and Pamoja African Alliance (PAA). It should be noted that the coalition is called Azimio, it's a political alliance of the parties. It's important to mention that any agreement or coalition is subject to change, the parties can leave or join the coalition as per the political situation.
The document from the ORPP's office indicating the membership of UDM, MDG and PAA in the Azimio coalition comes despite these parties having signed post-election coalition agreements with Kenya Kwanza after filing objections regarding their membership in the Azimio coalition. This means that there is some ambiguity or confusion regarding the membership of these parties in the coalition. However, with 185 MPs, including five from UDM, three from PAA, two from MCC, and one from MDG, Azimio boasts of the majority in the 349-member National Assembly, compared to Kenya Kwanza's 152 MPs. This highlights the fluidity and dynamic nature of coalition politics and how it can change according to the political situation. The parties may have joined different coalitions in order to get more power to influence the government policies.
During the August elections, 12 MPs were elected as independents. According to the Political Parties Act, as well as Regulation 21 of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulation 2019, these independent MPs have the option to join a political party. The letter you mentioned, which is dated September 7 and signed by Ms Nderitu, lists the constituent political parties and effective dates for these independent MPs. This means that these independent MPs have decided to join a political party and the letter confirms their membership. It's important to note that the independent MPs have the right to join or leave any party as per their political will.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah is being mentioned as a probable leader of the Kenya Kwanza coalition in the House, with Saku MP Dido Ali Raso as his possible deputy. However, it is also reported that the Amani National Congress (ANC) is pushing for Vihiga MP Ernest Ogesi to be Ichung’wah’s deputy. The Whip position, which is responsible for enforcing party discipline and managing the party's legislative agenda, is likely to go to either Kisii or the Coast region. Two MPs, South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro and his Kilifi North colleague, are said to be battling for the position. It's important to note that the final decision on the leadership positions is not final until the parties agree on it and it is officially announced.
Stay put for more updates as they seek the interpretation from the high-count or find their own solution amicably in parliament, but as of now ,much is expected from. this parliament.
Sat 21st Jan 2023.
