Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s appointment to lead peace process in South Sudan has hit numerous obstacles.
In the latest hurdle, the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) member states delayed ratifying his appointment.
According to People Daily, some players in the young country’s conflict were entirely opposed to Kenya or any other IGAD country mediating its peace process.
Kalonzo had been selected to head Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) just months after the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
He was slated to replace former Botswana President Festus Mogae who left the position last year August.
A side of the conflict lead by Riek Machar was not comfortable with the former Vice President leading the talks since he had served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The protagonist argued that Kalonzo was an ally of the ruling party since they worked together in the past.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended Kalonzo claiming that his appointment had not been shelved but it was actually waiting to be ratified.
“We are aware of the rumours going around that his appointment has been rejected. The true position is that Kenya presented its candidate and is awaiting the IGAD summit to endorse it,” stated an official from the ministry.
Kalonzo’s appointment came shortly after he had declared that he was ready to be President Uhuru Kenyatta’s errand boy.
Several leaders including Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana had castigated Kalonzo’s new role claiming that he had stooped so low as to be a messenger.
