Kalonzo’s Attempt to Ditch Raila Exposed by Gachagua
On Monday, July 31, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua described how Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka nearly joined Kenya Kwanza after the Supreme Court upheld President William Ruto’s 2022 victory.
Gachagua verified to Kitui County professionals at the Bomas of Kenya that Ruto had urged Kalonzo to join the government after being declared President-elect.
Kalonzo declined the offer, opting to await the Supreme Court’s decision on the petition lodged by Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja.
Gachagua asserted that the Wiper leader approached the Kenya Kwanza elite shortly after the supreme court rejected the challenge to Ruto’s election victory.
“After they were vanquished in the Supreme Court, he returned and we informed him he was running late. That’s when he resolved to run for the position of parliament speaker,” he explained.
Gachagua maintained that Ruto was eager to collaborate with Ukambani leaders despite the failure of the Kalonzo agreement, hence the appointment of Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Foreign Affairs), Monica Juma (National Security Advisor), and Penina Malonza (Tourism).
Gachagua also disclosed how Ruto rescued Malonza’s position after Kenya Kwanza legislators rejected her nomination.
“The President and I decided to begin with this woman, and we urged our legislators to support her. We even organized a church service to rally support for her. We overcame these obstacles, and she is now the CS.
“In terms of commitment, passion, zeal, focus, and hard work, this lady has no equal in the cabinet,” the DP stated.
ALSO READ: Ruto Excludes CSs from State House Summit
The DP’s remarks referred to Ruto’s April statements in which the Head of State stated that Kalonzo was offered a position in the government but declined it.
The Foreign Affairs portfolio was reportedly designated for the Wiper Party leader.
Ruto stated at the time, “I sought out Kalonzo and we sat down after last year’s election. I urged him to take a post and join my government, but he flatly refused and chose to remain in the Opposition.”
By the time this article was published, Kalonzo had not responded to Gachagua’s claims.
President William Ruto and Vice President William Ruto have not hesitated, however, to assert that Kenya Kwanza attempted to entice Kalonzo away from Azimio.
According to experts, the overtures are intended to win the support of the Ukambani region before the general elections of 2027.
The Ukambani region is a significant battleground, and President Ruto’s endeavors to secure votes there could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election in his favor.
Kalonzo’s Attempt to Ditch Raila Exposed by Gachagua