Focus on Martha Karua as Raila, Kalonzo visit State House
The State Banquet held at State House in honour of their Royal Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla brought together several dignitaries around the same table.
Most notable, apart from the visiting King and Queen, was the presence of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader (Azimio), Mr Raila Odinga.
This was the first time that the Azimio leader was spotted at the State House since President William Ruto took office in September 2022.
Mr Odinga was President Ruto’s main opponent in the 2022 polls and his victory did not sit well with the Azimio camp, hence the defiance and protests thereafter.
This led to the formation of a National Dialogue Committee to settle the disputes between the government and the opposition, including the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC), and the high cost of living.
Analysts believe Mr Odinga’s presence at the banquet suggests the talks, co-chaired by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungwa are raring fruits.
The Azimio top leadership includes Mr Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Ms Martha Karua, who was the party running mate during the election.
In September 2023, Mr Musyoka was spotted at State House during a dinner reception.
He was the first Azimio principal to visit State House during President Ruto’s tenure, a move that raised a heated debate over his loyalty to the Azimio.
Following Mr Odinga’s step, Ms Karua is the only Azimio principal yet to visit State House.
Ms Karua, referred to as the Iron Lady in political circles, has been clear on her stand regarding the last election, and consisytently refused to recognize Ruto as the legitimate President to date.
She recently differed with Kalonzo over the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Also read: Raila mingles with Ruto allies at King Charles banquet