Leaders from the Ukambani region are pushing for Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 presidential race.
It has emerged that the Ukambani Governors are the ones who organized for Raila Odinga’s surprise visit to the region alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, July 9.
According to Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo, governors Charity Ngilu(Kitui), Kivutha Kibwana(Makueni) and Alfred Mutua(Machakos) are advocating for Kalonzo to become Raila’s deputy.
The idea of having Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as Raila’s deputy has led to division within Kamba leaders. Photo: State House/Twitter.
“None of us was aware he was coming. It was a surprise. I have heard that the governors extended the invitation to him, but I cannot confirm. There is a push by the governors for Kalonzo to support Raila,” Mutula Kilonzo told the People Daily.
Kalonzo Musyoka was not expecting Raila to accompany Uhuru to the regional tour and was surprised when he made a stop at the Thwake Multipurpose Dam in Makueni shortly after the President arrived.
“Thank you for coming. We did not expect you here but God has enabled you to come to Ukambani,” Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said after Raila’s arrival.
During the burial of former Kibwezi MP Kalembe Ndile on June 11, Kitui Governor called on Raila Odinga and Kalonzo to unite so as to stop a possible William Ruto presidency.
“If Kalonzo and Raila fail to unite ahead of 2022, then Ruto’s chances of success will be high. How will the Kamba community benefit if they choose to vote for Kalonzo and lose the presidency? We must accept and work with Raila so that we beat Ruto,” she argued.
Even though the Ukambani leaders are keen on fronting Kalonzo as Raila’s deputy, the Wiper Party leader has vowed that his eyes are set on the presidency.
“For me, as of now, it is unthinkable that I, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, would support Raila Odinga for the third time…. I would be the most stupid fellow on earth to go and support, for the third time, a presidential candidate without a measure of reciprocity,” he said.
