Kalonzo Addresses Reports of Wiper Planning to Dump Raila 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at Azimio PG in Machakos County on February 9, 2022.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at Azimio PG in Machakos County on February 9, 2022.
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Raila Odinga

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka refuted reports of a planned State House meeting after Jubilee and ODM rebel MPs visited President William Ruto on Wednesday, February 8.

During Azimio Parliamentary Group (PG) on Thursday, February 9, Kalonzo refuted plans to decamp Azimio la Umoja led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

However, he noted that Ruto had attempted to woo his party members.

In particular, Kalonzo intimated that a section of his party leaders had been invited to State House in Ruto's latest charm offensive.

President William Ruto (on the microphone) hosts Jubilee MPs at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
President William Ruto (on the microphone) hosts Jubilee MPs at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
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State House

"I just got information that Wiper leaders from Makueni were invited to go to State House, and they declined politely.

"I know that people have said that Wiper will be next (to go to State) but there are no such plans," he stated.

On the other hand, he called out Ruto for bypassing party structures in his meetings with Azimio leaders, even as he advised their members to inform their party leaders in advance.

"You can send very powerful messages very politely. You cannot go cannibalising political organisations by inviting members without reference to their leadership," the wiper part boss stated.

Nonetheless, he called on the Raila-led team to exercise tolerance towards Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o who had attended the meeting before being kicked out.

He offered to mediate between Jalang'o and the Azimio faction.

"I was looking for Jalang'o, and I will also look for him after this. You cannot also throw them out when somebody wants to say sorry. 

"You can imagine the poor state of mind Jalang'o is in because Kibra is now a hostile ground. He is supposed to enjoy his tour of duty," he stated.

Raila's security team kicked the Lang'ata MP out of the PG minutes after gaining access to the venue.

On the other hand, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga called on Jalang'o and other ODM MPs who had visited Ruto at State House on February 7 to resign.

"The Members of Parliament who defected need to resign and go, and seek a fresh mandate from the electorate," he directed.

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