Walk-out over betrayal, hits and misses at ANC leader’s big day
At 1.35pm yesterday, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kanu leader Gideon Moi walked down from the high table and lazily waved at some ANC supporters, their faces betraying their surprise at the turn of events at Bomas of Kenya.
They were on their way out on a day they suffered significant embarrassment, they might not soon wish on anyone else.
Unaware that their One Kenya Alliance (OKA) colleague Musalia Mudavadi had invited hitherto political co-nemesis Deputy President William Ruto to grace the ANC National Delegates Convention, the two had earlier sat, savouring the lively ambiance in the auditorium as they waited for the host to arrive.
However, what they got was not what they had purchased. With strong indications Ruto was on the way after a group of allies began arriving, they did not have any option but to walk out before they could find themselves deeper in ignominy.
Their foot soldiers, except the new entrant to OKA William Kabogo, joined them as they fled from the scene. Those who accompanied them out included Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and businessman Jimi Wanjigi.
New alliance.
Their walkout did not, however, stop the event as it proceeded as planned although it was to be spiced with hits and misses, that pointed at the uncertainty that had defined it the whole week.
Musalia began his speech at 3.08pm and went straight into those he said were political liars. By the time he was done at 4.14pm, he had already embraced Ruto and held hands aloft together with Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula to signify the dawn of a new alliance. Kabogo, the Jibebe Wakenya party leader, joined them.
Ruto arrived at 2.14pm after dozens of his troops had already sat and it was not lost on anyone that he and Musalia wore similar black suits except different ties, reminiscing times back when he put up a similar show with President Uhuru Kenyatta after winning the 2013 elections.
In an event laced with surprises, it was not going to end without a slip of the tongue and it was to prove so as Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru claimed the team at Bomas was as good to win the coming elections only to be met with disapproval from those who spoke after her who told her it was not done yet.
She had claimed a Kalenjin-Luhya-Kikuyu alliance was enough to win the presidency but she was reprimanded by many including Ruto who said they needed to bring more partners to be sure of a win.
