Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko wooed Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, pleading with him to join President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza.
Sonko and Kalonzo joined other Ukambani leaders at the burial of Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo's mother, Mirriam Munini Maanzo, in Makueni County on November, Friday 4.
While addressing the mourners, Sonko asked Kalonzo to quit the opposition and join Ruto in running the government.
He added that Kalonzo had great potential to become the next president when compared to all other Ukambani leaders eying the job.
“Leave the dynasties. You have the potential to become the next President of Kenya. I am sure that all the Ukambani leaders will fully support your presidential bid.
Sonko insisted that Kalonzo’s exit from the opposition would greatly help the region in matters of development.
Supporting his sentiments, Sonko explained that Ruto was adamant about transforming the region despite few residents voting for him in the August 9 polls.
Kalonzo, however, reiterated that he would not desert former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, and the opposition.
"We do not have a problem with Ruto as he is my young brother. I also want to send our son Sonko to deliver a message.
"Tell Ruto to pave the way. We have decided to work as loyal opposition. When the situation gets tough, he should be ready to step out of the way,” Kalonzo challenged the President.
His sentiments came a few days after Ruto insisted that he was willing to work with Kalonzo Musyoka. Ruto responded to Ukambani leaders, who had asked him to accommodate the opposition leader in government.
“You have talked about the issues of my brother Kalonzo Musyoka. He is my elder brother and whenever he is ready, I am ready to work with him,” Ruto answered.
He further disclosed that Kalonzo turned down his job offer and was persistent on working with Raila instead.
