Karua distances self from Kalonzo’s remarks on recognising Ruto as president
Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has dismissed claims by her Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka that the opposition now recognises President William Ruto's legitimacy.
Kalonzo had on Saturday, September 2, claimed that the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition had changed its stance on Ruto's legitimacy following his commitment to ongoing bipartisan talks with the opposition.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of nominated Taita Taveta MCA Constance Mwandawiro in Voi, the Azimio co-principal noted that President Ruto had shown maturity and statesmanship by supporting the national dialogue despite resistance from his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Kalonzo also said because of Ruto's good gesture, the opposition would wait for the next election to try their luck at the presidency.
"We congratulate the president for putting his foot down and supporting the continuation of the talks," Kalonzo stated.
"Because of his (Ruto's) stand, we recognise him and we will wait for the next time because who knows? God's plans may be with us next," he added.
However, reacting to the report ran in a local publication, Karua responded with the message, "Not true".
Not true https://t.co/O3npAuigwF— Martha Karua SC (@MarthaKarua) September 2, 2023
Kalonzo, who co-chairs the National Dialogue Committee alongside Kenya Kwanza's Kimani Ichung'wah, said nobody would stop the talks that have since received a nod from the National Assembly and the Senate.
"We have a problem with what some people are saying. President Ruto's deputy (Gachagua) attended a funeral in Ukambani and what he said there has left residents wondering what kind of leader he is. But we will call everyone to order," Kalonzo said as he accused Gachagua of attempts to frustrate the peace initiative.
The National Dialogue Committee was established to resolve the political crisis that saw Azimio leader Raila Odinga call for street demonstrations to protest against what he termed as government ills.
Karua, who vied as Raila Odinga's running mate in the last presidential election, is among leaders in the opposition who believe Azimio was rigged out.
She has been calling for an audit of the electoral servers to verify the outcome of the contested results.
The former Justice minister said in April that Azimio would concede defeat if the servers showed Ruto was validly elected.
"Open the server kama mkate ni yako tutakuangalia ukikula, hatutasema chochote kama ni wetu utaenda kwenu Sugoi wewe," Karua said at town hall meeting in Murang'a County on April 20,
Loosely translated, "Open the server if the bread is yours we will watch you eat it, we will not say anything but if it is ours you will go home."
