Retire with Uhuru, Wiper’s Kalonzo tells ODM chief
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has told ODM leader Raila Odinga to retire with President Uhuru Kenyatta when he retires next year.
Speaking in Thika town alongside other One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals, the former Vice President said Raila has outlived his usefulness and he cannot be expected to inject fresh ideas in the country’s leadership.
“It is my contention that as President Uhuru leaves office along with his Handshake partner Raila. We as OKA shall ensure the country is safe and moves forward,” Kalonzo said.
He was addressing a rally at the Thika Technical Institute grounds accompanied by party leaders Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Gideon Moi (Kanu), Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya), Cyrus Jirongo United Democratic Party (UDP) and the host William Kabogo (Tujibebe Wakenya party).
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua were expected to attend he forum convened by Kabogo, former Kiambu governor but sent their apologies.
“We have to get the country moving forward and the OKA team is the best placed to take over leadership of this nation after President Uhuru goes home,” Kalonzo said.
The team also took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto saying he cannot be trusted the country’s top job on account of his “past record.”
Kalonzo defended Chief Justice Martha Koome from criticism by the DP, terming her as a “highly qualified judicial officer and a lady of honour.”
Mudavadi said Kenyans cannot to agree to be coerced into voting for anyone and cautioned the State against intimidating people to vote in a certain way.
He also told off cabinet secretaries who are openly associating with certain presidential aspirants, saying public officers should remain neutral and show no political bias.
“The worst thing that can happen is for people to go into an election in a state of fear. Voters should be free to elect their leaders freely if democracy is to be sustained,” Mudavadi said.
Moi told voters to be wary of aspirants who are dishing out money as the same has been looted from public coffers.
“Don’t be fooled for corruption brings poverty. Take their money but vote for credible leaders,” Moi said and added that people implicated in the plunder of public resources should be summarily executed.
Wetangula said OKA leaders aim to unite the country and fight poverty, graft and other social ills.
“I am particularly appealing to the youth not to gamble with their lives. Do not allow people to confuse you with promises of cash handouts should they ascend to the country’s leadership,” he added.
