Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday, February 18, said the Azimio Coalition will remain intact and soldier on even in the absence of Opposition Chief Raila Odinga from local politics.

Mr Musyoka said there will be no gap in the opposition leadership as Mr Odinga who has been the face of Azimio Coalition, prepares to launch his bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.

The former Prime Minister last week accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that he is interested in the AU top job whose holder Moussa Faki, term ends in January 2025.

“Raila is going to hold a higher position and we are praying for him to be successful. We are looking at the interest of Kenya and not Kenya Kwanza or Azimio la Umoja because Raila is now above local politics,” said Mr Musyoka.

“I want to assure you as Azimio la Umoja, we are united. Two days after Raila announced his bid, we met and agreed that as Azimio we must stand firm and defend the rights of Kenya,” added Mr Musyoka

The former Vice President made the sentiments while addressing traders at Kenyatta Market in Lang’ata Constituency Nairobi moments after attending a church service at Nairobi Baptist Church.

Mr Musyoka said the meeting between Azimio luminaries after Mr Odinga declared his bid, was a symbol of unity and there should be no cause for alarm that the opposition politics will disintegrate in the absence of the former premier.

The meeting which took place on Thursday, February 15, was attended by Mr Musyoka, Narc Kenya Leader and Mr Odinga’s running mate in the last election Martha Karua, and former Meru Governor Peter Munya.

Others were DAP Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, Roots Party Leader George Wajackoya and Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni among other leaders.

“I want to assure you that there is no gap and what has happened to our brother Raila Odinga is something we are proud of and we shall campaign because now he is beyond partisan politics,” added Mr Musyoka.

Mr Musyoka was accompanied by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, his Kitui counterpart Enock Wambua and legislators Musili Mawathe (Embakasi South), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Edith Nyenze (Kitui West).

Being viewed as the heir apparent to the throne in the absence of the ODM leader, Mr Musyoka seemed to have cut his niche in earnest on the road to the 2027 election.