THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL. NAIROBI
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has dismissed claims that he depends on Azimio leader Raila Odinga for political survival. Speaking at a funeral in Machakos, Musyoka asserted that his political influence was well-established long before collaborating with the former Prime Minister.
Musyoka addressed rumors suggesting that his current political prominence hinges on the presence of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader. “Some claim Kalonzo cannot stand without Raila. Spare us; we have stood before and have been misunderstood before,” Musyoka remarked.
He emphasized that such criticism would not push him to join President William Ruto’s administration. Musyoka criticized ODM for allowing some members to join Ruto’s cabinet despite being in the opposition. “ODM has taken their time to explain, but they have much to clarify. The rest of us are clear about our intentions,” Musyoka stated. “We have no intention of joining President Ruto’s government but wish them well,” he added.
Musyoka’s remarks came shortly after a meeting with Raila Odinga and other Azimio leaders, including Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni and KANU’s Gideon Moi. Musyoka disclosed that Odinga met the coalition leaders to explain the circumstances behind nominating four ODM leaders to government positions.
“He came to explain to his colleagues what happened. That picture you see on social media is just that,” Musyoka revealed. “We explained to Raila that some of us cannot join what they term as a government of national unity, which it is not. We have chosen to stand with the Kenyan people.”.