Kalonzo: Why I changed mind on DP interview

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday made an about-turn and appeared before the panel interviewing Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya presidential running mate.

Kalonzo said he made the decision to appear before the Noah Wekesa-led panel to deny a “cabal” of people the excuse not to give him the running mate position for failing to appear for the interview.

After the interview, Kalonzo said he is the best person to deputise Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

People Daily, however, established that Kalonzo’s change of heart could have resulted from consultations with the Azimio Council chair President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Kalonzo, however, declined to share with the media what he was asked during the two-hour session, only saying it was not an interview but a conversation.

“The decision to come was mine because I realised we did not want to give anybody an excuse whatsoever to say I did not want to come and deny me the position,” said Kalonzo.

The former Vice President said he was glad to meet with religious leaders who are members of the panel retired Catholic Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth and retired Anglican Church Bishop Peter Njenga.

“It has been a wonderful conversation. The elderly like Bishop Njenga, and Archbishop Okoth, I looked at that and in my mind I said why would I not want to go and greet Archbishop Okoth at his age?” added Kalonzo.

Kalonzo’s camp had maintained that he would not attend the interview as it would “demean his stature”.

Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, who also appeared for the interview on the second and final day, said he was happy to have had a conversation with the panel about the issues that affect the country and what value he would bring on board if he were picked as the running mate.

“It is good to have a conversation about how to make Kenya better. In the unlikely event that I’m not chosen, I will stay in Azimio and support whoever is selected,” said Kenneth.

Fresh blood

He, however, said he was the most qualified for the running mate position, adding that of all the candidates, he had worked long enough with Raila and knew what he stood for.

“My support for Raila is passionate. Of all the candidates, I have worked long enough with him. I have confidence in the Azimio team because we must alleviate poverty in this country,” he said.

Kenneth said Mt Kenya is a vote-rich region that should be taken into consideration but added that it was not a must that Raila’s running mate comes from the area.

National Liberal Party leader Stephen Tarus, who was also shortlisted, said the panel wanted to know how he would solve the problems facing the country if he were to be given the chance.

“Raila Odinga needs fresh blood. He needs fresh minds,” the former envoy said, and added that Raila needs people who truly want to create a unified country. 

He said people who play the ethnic card should not be considered.

“I don’t think I have to be from a particular tribe to be able to serve my country well,” said Tarus.

Speaking to the press after facing the panel, Narc leader Charity Ngilu dared Deputy President William Ruto to a political duel on experience and policies.

“Ruto has no experience at all in matters running of government and on social protection. If you remove the money he is splashing around to people and to leaders, he is a nobody. I challenge him we go to the people without dishing out handouts. We don’t believe in buying loyalty,” said Ngilu.

Ngilu said she was the best suited for the position of Raila’s running mate because of what she termed as “impeccable experience” both in government and in the opposition.

The Kitui County Governor also said she deserved to be Raila’s running mate because they had walked the reform path together.

“I bring to the table a transformative kind of relationship with the presidential candidate. We brought Narc government in 2002, fought so hard, and brought the Constitution. This is the time for women,” said Ngilu.

She accused Kalonzo of being indecisive.

“Taking a decision is the hallmark of leadership. There are some leaders who are extremely indecisive. What Raila stands for is what I stand for,” she said.

Ruto defence

Kalonzo’s hard stance on the running mate interview had attracted defence from unlikely quarters, including from Deputy President William Ruto, who argued that subjecting the former VP to vetting would be humiliating.

“Though we are competitors, to subject Kalonzo to some humiliating ‘interview’ is impunity. We must unite to eliminate the culture of political deceit, the hallmark of some politicians. Whatever the circumstances every leader deserves some dignity and respect,” Ruto posted on his Twitter account.

The DP’s sentiments attracted criticism from Raila’s allies who claimed the DP had a secret pact with Kalonzo. But the Wiper leader denied the allegations, saying he did not need the sympathies of Ruto’s troops.