‘We now recognise you as president’ – Kalonzo lauds Ruto’s c*mmitment to bipartisan talks

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now says the opposition recognises William Ruto's legitimacy as the fifth President of Kenya.

Kalonzo made the remarks when he attended the burial of nominated Taita Taveta MCA Constance Mwandawiro in Voi on Saturday, September 2.

He said 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.

According to Kalonzo, the Head of State had shown maturity and statesmanship by supporting the national dialogue despite resistance from his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

He said the opposition would wait for the 2027 polls 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.

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.

The 10-member committee recently agreed on five major issues for negotiation. Some of the issues are the cost of living, implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, structuring and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) entrenchment of the offices of the Leader of Official Opposition and Prime Cabinet Secretary among other issues.

Azimio had early this year rejected the outcome of last year's presidential poll, claiming their candidate, Raila, was rigged out.

 Raila and his allies said they had evidence to believe that the former prime minister won the poll by more than two million votes. The talk has since died down.