Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka says he has set his sights on being Kenya’s 5th president in 2022, and that he won’t beg for anyone’s political support to realise that dream.
Addressing mourners on Friday, August 23, during the burial of David Makumbi, the father of Machakos Woman Rep, Joyce Kamene Kasimbi, Kalonzo said he will plunge into the race for presidency without expecting to be backed up by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“We do not want to appear like we are begging people all the time; you can’t beg for leadership; power is not granted, but seized. You would look very weak if you start crying that it is your turn to be endorsed,” said Kalonzo, adding: “This is a political warfare, power has to be grabbed; you must have a conviction why you want to be in power.”
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Kalonzo made those remarks in regard to a perceived MoU existing between him and Raila. It is believed -- in the NASA political circles -- that Raila and Kalonzo had, in the run-up to 2017 general election, entered into an agreement that the former premier will support the ex-VP in his quest for presidency in 2022.
Kalonzo urged a section of Ukambani politicians, who had spoken at the event before him, to believe in his ability to win the race without necessarily receiving Odinga’s support.
Former Machakos Senator, Johnstone Muthama, MPs: Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Joshua Kimilu (Kaiti) Robert Mbui (Kathiani) and Vincent Musau (Mwala), were among the Ukambani leaders who endorsed Kalonzo for the top seat.
“Come 2022, we have a [presidential] candidate in the name of Kalonzo Musyoka. The only thing that we are now looking for, is a running mate,” said Kaiti legislator Kimilu.
His Mavoko counterpart, Makau, said: “The train has left the station. It is Kalonzo for State House in 2022. This message must go out to all other leaders in Kenya.”
Ex-Machakos senator, Muthama, said: “I started moulding Kalonzo [for presidency] in 1983, and to this date, I believe in him. Even [President] Uhuru Kenyatta and [ODM leader] Raila Odinga won’t sit pretty, [given they are] aware of Kalonzo’s influence. This man [Kalonzo] is capable of becoming president.”
Muthama further said other politicians in the Ukambani region, who have declared interest in the president’s seat, including Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and his Makueni counterpart, Kivutha Kibwana, “are not a match for Kalonzo”.
Kalonzo was Raila’s presidential running-mate in the 2013 and 2017 general elections.
