There is still some lingering pain in Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka's heart, going by his recent sentiments alleging that Ukambani residents cost him the running mate position in Azimio La Umoja.
The coalition settled on Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, a decision that at first, did not sit well with Kalonzo.
Speaking during campaigns in Machakos County on Tuesday, July 19, Kalonzo claimed that the election of leaders from other parties in his backyard rendered him powerless.
This, he revealed, was the reason Azimio's flagbearer, Raila Odinga gave when explaining to him why he picked Karua.
"Raila told me that 'I lack the support of my people and that although he was ready to make me the deputy president, Ukambani was divided," Kalonzo stated.
He further alleged that the minimal number of leaders elected under the Wiper party cost him the bargaining power and warned that he risked losing more power if the region fails to make the right decisions in the August 9 polls.
"I have come to plead with you to relieve me of the burden.
"Clothe me properly by electing Wiper candidates from the MCAs to the governor,” the former Vice President urged.
The Azimio Chief Cabinet Secretary-designate called on the people of the Lower Eastern region to back Karua, underlining that she would return the favour in 2027 when he (Kalonzo) would run for the top seat.
Meanwhile, he ignored a charm offensive by Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) who offered him a position in his camp.
Kalonzo stood his ground, stating that under no circumstances would he have worked with DP Ruto, Raila's main rival in this year's election.
The former Vice President is facing an uphill task of delivering the 2 million Ukambani votes with Machakos governor, Alfred Mutua and the county's gubernatorial candidate, Johnson Muthama backing Ruto.
However, Kalonzo is enjoying the support of Kitui and Makueni county governors, Charity Ngilu and Kivutha Kibwana.
