Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, on Tuesday, June 12, revealed his last conversation with Azimio la Umoja co-principal Raila Odinga, which made him drop his ambition to be presidential running mate.
Kalonzo, while speaking at the launch of a dormitory at Miumbuni Secondary School, revealed that he acted in the coalition's best interest.
While remarking how Raila convinced him that Martha Karua would pool more votes as a running mate, Kalonzo maintained his belief that Azimio won the August 9, 2022, presidential election.
“We were in Yatta Farm the other day for Thanksgiving even though I was not on the ballot.
“Raila called me and explained that if we picked Karua, she would bring all women votes in Kenya,” Kalonzo detailed why his name missed from the ballot for the first time since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
Kalonzo explained further that he took time to ponder Raila's request before accepting to step down for Karua.
“After Raila requested me, I went to my farm to reflect. I agreed with him because we had been on the ballot in 2013 and 2017, so I thought it would be okay to restrategise,” he revealed why he accepted to drop out of the race.
Kalonzo, though, maintained that Raila had won the 2013, 2017 and 2022 presidential elections.
“In 2013 we won and did not win. This scenario repeated itself in 2017 and 2022 and that is why you saw us protesting,” the Wiper Party leader remarked.
During the event, Kalonzo called out former governors Kivutha Kibwana, Alfred Mutua and Charity Ngilu for double-speak during the campaign period.
“Before I joined Azimio, they were vocal that I should cross over but changed tune when I heeded the call,” he regretted.
In April 2022, Mutua accused Kalonzo of selfishness and blackmail while registering Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition.
While Raila convened a reconciliation meeting immediately after Mutua’s outburst, the now Foreign Affairs Minister left the coalition a month after the much-publicised disagreement.
Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Mutua followed suit, leaving Azimio immediately after the August 2022 General Election.
On her part, former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu stayed put in Azimio but has been conspicuously missing in all the coalition’s events.
