Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, is strategically placing himself in line to succeed Azimio La Umoja presidential aspirant, Raila Odinga, in 2027.
Kalonzo, while speaking at a rally in Machakos county on Friday, June 3, assured his supporters that he had already outlined a plan to counter Raila’s running mate, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua in the succession battle once the former Prime Minister retires from office.
His Chief Minister position, an equivalent of the Prime Minister post, he stated would give him an upper hand in the succession matrix if Raila wins the August 9 polls.
“We (Wiper) are not stopping until we take Kenya’s presidency. Since President Uhuru Kenyatta will retire and Mr Odinga will become the President and Martha Karua his deputy, are you telling me that once Mr Odinga retires, Martha should really become the President?
"Don’t you think we have just aligned properly to succeed Mr Odinga? We are not kidding,” Kalonzo stated.
The Wiper leader asked the residents to rest assured that they would be voting for him when they elect Raila into office.
Similar sentiments were made during his first rally with Raila, on Thursday, June 2, with a number of pro-Azimio politicians labelling him the next President.
It was not clear whether the remarks were made to placate his ego or alluded to a future game plan.
The same idea was floated by political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi who has since aligned himself with the Azimio La Umoja brigade.
“When Raila was made Prime Minister, he made the position bigger than life. Now that Kalonzo Musyoka has accepted to be Chief Minister, he should do the same.
“We must refer to him as The Right Honourable Chief Minister. Then later, as the 6th President of Kenya. Bravo big brother,” Ngunyi stated.
It is too early to dissect Kalonzo’s game plan, but analysts opine that his remarks may cause a storm in Azimio La Umoja especially after Raila is elected. All pointers indicate that sharing power after August 9 will test the alliance's resolve to stick together.
Nonetheless, Kalonzo assured Karua of his unwavering support and loyalty during his return to Azimio.
“Ultimately, I wish to congratulate my learned sister and Senior Counsel, Martha Karua, on her nomination as the deputy president nominee of Azimio La Umoja."
"I want to assure Martha of my full and unequivocal support and that of the ticket of Raila and Martha Karua,” the former Vice President stated on June 2.
