Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna faced off on Saturday, February 19, at a funeral in Ukambani.
The exchange of words began after claims surfaced that Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka was asking for a Ksh3 billion payout before joining Azimio la Umoja movement led by Raila Odinga.
Taking to the podium, Kilonzo called out Sifuna, who was in attendance, accusing him of working against Wiper Party receiving funding from the now defunct National Super Alliance (NASA).
"You, Sifuna, you championed against us receiving political funding. We have struggled but it is alright. We are okay.
"Governors met last week, I am saying here because I am angry. You claimed that you want Kalonzo to join Azimio but that he demanded Ksh3 billion. I want you to tell us when he demanded the money, from who and where," stated Kilonzo
He further accused the ODM operatives of peddling falsehoods claiming that Musyoka demanded the huge sum before supporting Azimio la Umoja which is Odinga's vehicle for his fifth stab at the presidency.
"Kalonzo is a cool person and if you want him in Azimio, why would you insult him. Oparanya go ask that question to Raila because he has not called Kalonzo and asked him to join Azimio. He sent Charity (Ngilu), Mutua (Alfred) and Kibwana (Kivutha)," he added.
In a close rejoinder, however, Sifuna refuted claimed that ODM had not paid out money owed to member parties including Wiper.
The firebrand further noted that he was ready to produce the documents proving otherwise in the presence of a priest.
"Since I am Catholic and I have been taught to forgive, I forgive you. The truth will remain. I want the father to invite me to the office alongside Kilonzo to show documents showing the money transferred from ODM to Wiper and then you will tell the public.
"I am happy Mutula Kilonzo that you acknowledge we have a common enemy. We removed leaders like Wetangula (Moses, Ford-Kenya) from his seat, we have never touched your seat, you are still our Minority Whip. We have a lot of respect for you because of who you are and the work you have done," he responded.
He further denied claims that ODM was coercing Kalonzo to join Azimio la Umoja movement noting that in Kenyan politics, all individuals had the free will and right to join the movements of their choice.
He, however, remained mum on claims that Kalonzo demanded Ksh3 billion to join the movement.
There have been reports that Raila Odinga's camp has been rushing against time in wooing Kalonzo and other leaders from Ukambani region to join the Azimio bandwagon.
