Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has suffered a major blow in his efforts to equate himself to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential aspirant, Raila Odinga.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Tuesday, April 19, Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, refuted the existence of a power-brokering team led by Uhuru, Raila and Kalonzo, as claimed by the former Vice President.
Kioni watered down Kalonzo’s claims that the trio were leading the negotiations and would select among many posts, Raila’s running mate.
Asked on whether he was aware of such a structure, Kioni stated: "We have very many structures within Azimio that meet at different times and levels to address different issues."
“In the coming three months, we shall meet as Azimio and plan. As we are now, there are many individual parties managing their own affairs. Some of the issues will be clarified to us and some individuals (Kalonzo) claiming the existence of such institutions should look at the bigger picture,” Kioni argued.
Kalonzo, who has been bulldozing his way within the Azimio coalition, was also urged to shelve his selfish ambitions for the greater good of the alliance.
“My appeal to everyone in Azimio is to approach all these issues with a desire to ensure the country moves forward as opposed to individual benefits.
“It is too early to discuss all these issues. It is what Kenyans get from Azimio. It is what is in this rather than what I get as an individual,” Kioni hit back at Kalonzo, adding that leaders ought to find space and energy to drive the alliance forward.
Kalonzo, on Sunday, April 17, alleged that only Uhuru, Raila and himself will give the way forward for Azimio.
While chest-thumping, Kalonzo - who has been constantly labelled as an indecisive kingmaker - refuted reports that all parties within Azimio had a say in the future of the alliance.
“There will be consultations between the presidential candidate Raila Odinga, myself and President Uhuru. Period!
“That is how we formed Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya. So, we take into account the feeling and accounts of others. Take it to the bank that I am in the decision making team,” Kalonzo vociferated.
Pundits and analysts argue that the Wiper leader has all along been attempting to hold Azimio hostage since negotiating with Uhuru. Kalonzo was accused of holding more press conferences and interviews than rallies to champion Raila’s aspirations.
In one event, he even claimed that he was consolidating numbers within Azimio to impeach Raila in case he walked out of their agreement after succeeding Uhuru in August. He, nonetheless, argued later on that he was joking on a matter equated to national security.
One of the contentious issues in Azimio is selecting a running mate, with Kalonzo fronting himself against Narc-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, who has the support of a majority in Azimio.
Kalonzo has previously argued that he was from Mt Kenya, in an effort to counter Karua who hails from the region. Reports alleged that Uhuru and Raila summoned him on Tuesday, April 19, for a crisis meeting on the same.
