Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday revealed his failure to attend Raila Odinga’s African Union Commission Chairperson bid launch was intentional as an affirmation that he is the new opposition leader.
Kalonzo, while addressing the press in Nairobi, claimed that since he was the new opposition leader, it was impossible to attend the meeting held at State House.
The Azimio principal disclosed that attending the event at State House could have been a betrayal to the young protesters whom he claimed lost their lives while fighting for the country's liberation.
“We want to show that there is an official opposition in this country. We welcome our senior leaders in the region, the EAC presidents including President Museveni, Suluhu and Salva Kiir,” Kalonzo noted.
“Maybe we wouldn't have had enough time like we had today if I had gone to State House. Remember some of us have issues. I am sorry I will not go to State House.”
Kalonzo went ahead to commend the former Prime Minister for formally launching his quest for the top continental role.
According to Kalonzo, Odinga's vast experience in political leadership, dedication to Pan-African ideals and a proven track record in conflict resolution made him the right candidate for the AUC role.
"As a coalition, we believe that the Rt. Honorable Odinga’s leadership and vision will greatly contribute to the future of the African Union and the broader goals of peace, stability, and prosperity across Africa," Kalonzo stated.
During the Azimio presser, Kalonzo accused President Ruto's administration of undermining the Judiciary through budgetary constraints and public criticism of the courts decisions.
The Azimio leaders further took a swipe at the government over the implementation of the controversial new university education model which the leaders termed discriminatory.
According to the Azimio principals, all Kenyans had a right to full and equal treatment, and equal opportunities in political, economic, cultural, and social spheres as envisioned in Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
"We have recently witnessed discriminative education policies in the name of higher education funding model that has since disenfranchised majority of the young people in the institutions of higher learning," stated Kalonzo.
