Kalonzo Musyoka Differs With Wiper Chair Over Azimio Rallies

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Kalonzo Musyoka address the media on Friday, September 30, 2022
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Kalonzo Musyoka

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Tuesday, December 6, announced that his party will join its Azimio Coalition partners in the consultation rallies called for by opposition chief Raila Odinga. 

Speaking while addressing locals in Kitui County, Kalonzo stated that members of the Azimio Coalition would assemble at the Kamukunji Grounds as planned to exercise their constitutional rights, contrary to earlier remarks by Wiper Chairman Chirau Ali Mwakwere who had distanced himself from the organised rallies

The former Vice President underscored that opposition parties had an obligation to protect the 2010 constitution from infringement through various actions of the state. 

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka
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Kalonzo Musyoka

His sentiments differed with Wiper Party chairperson Mwakwere who had insisted that legislators drawn from the party will not join Raila in scheduled rallies.

"Ruto is the president now and you cannot reverse that by holding a parallel rally," Mwakwere had earlier told Kenyans.co.ke.

However, Kalonzo maintained that Wiper would take part in the organised rallies scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, at Kamukunji in Nairobi and the parallel Jamhuri celebration on December 12 at Jacaranda grounds.

At the same time, Kalonzo called out President William Ruto for failing to fulfil his campaign pledges. He asked the head of state to concentrate on critical issues affecting Kenyans, including the high cost of essential commodities and drought. 

Additionally, Kalonzo insisted that the process of investigating former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Vice Chairperson Juliana and three other commissioners was unfair and pointed towards a predetermined outcome. 

"This is not the time to remove Cherera and other IEBC officials from office. Justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. "Act justly, to help heal the nation," he stated.

According to him, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition was braced to perform the task ahead to keep the government in check. 

However, Kalonzo reiterated that the opposition would perform its roles within the confines of the law.

He added that he was ready to assist the President in transforming Kenya whenever the need arose but on condition that the state would uphold justice in its operations. 

In a tone similar to the one used by Raila Odinga, Kalonzo warned President Ruto against using the IEBC restructuring as a ploy to rig the 2027 elections. 

"Please do not pre-rig the 2027 elections, we love this nation and I know that the people of Kenya will continue to hold the 2010 constitution dearly," he stated. 

Wiper Party, alongside other parties under the Azimio umbrella, had taken a backseat in the proposed consultation fora called for by the Orange Democratic Movement.

However, Jubilee Party leaders led by its Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed their attendance at the rally, with the first one slated for Wednesday, December 7. 

Jubilee SG  Jeremiah Kioni, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during Azimio PG on September 16, 2022.
Jubilee SG Jeremiah Kioni, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during Azimio PG on September 16, 2022.
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Raila Odinga