Kenya Kwanza bigwigs hint at bagging Kalonzo backing
The Kenya Kwanza alliance yesterday hinted at plans to reach out to Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join their camp ahead of the August Genarl Election.
Speaking at various stops in Murang’a county, the Kenya Kwanza team led by Deputy President William Ruto and Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi revealed there were efforts to reach out to Kalonzo to join their wing, saying they had supported Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga for “far too long” with no tangible results.
Mudavadi said the alliance was targeting a landslide win in the August poll by garnering at least 70 percent in the first round.
“We are assured of winning the poll by 10.00am in the morning but with Kalonzo on board, we shall have finished the business by 9:00 am,” he said.
Speaking at Kimorori ground in Maragua constituency, Mudavadi urged Kalonzo to join their camp so that they can walk the political journey together. He said Raila is such a burden to carry around and that’s why they cannot support him.
“We carried him on our shoulders in 2013 and 2017 but we got tired and cannot do it this time round,” said Mudavadi.
He maintained that Raila was a Government Project to be manipulated by his political masters were he to find himself at State House.
Remote-controlled government
“Azimio will be a remote-controlled government because there are people who want Raila to take over so that he can protect their interests,” said Mudavadi.
Ruto on his part said Kenya Kwanza is a formidable force, which cannot be easily shaken, exuding confidence that the formation will form the next government.
He said Raila having spent all his time in the opposition would have no idea how to run the country if he were to take over power. He further wondered how Raila intended to run the government having failed “miserably” as an opposition leader.
“I will accomplish whatever the president will leave unfinished when his term in office comes to end,” he assured the huge crowds that attended the rallies.
Local leaders among them Kandara MP Alice Wahome, her Kiharu counterpart Ndindi Nyoro, senator Irungu Kang’ata, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua said Raila is not sellable in the region. They accused Raila of political conmanship which does not qualify him to lead the country.
Wahome on her part said nothing would make Mt Kenya residents change their political stand and their mind is made up to support Ruto. She also warned President Uhuru Kenyatta against imposing Raila on them.
“The region voted for him wholeheartedly in 2013 and 2017 and it would only be fair if he respects our decision,” she said.
Ndindi on his part said Ruto is enjoying massive support from all parts of the country and he shall win the poll by a landslide.
The MP castigated the Azimio La Umoja faction saying it is a criminal enterprise which is being set up to run the country and this is not acceptable.
“We urge the president to distance himself from this man because he means no good” he added.
Gachagua said the leaders associated with Ruto have braved harassment and intimidation from the government adding that they are not going to bow to the pressure.
“We know the government is planning to use its operatives to harass the leaders from the region to join Azimio but this won’t work” he said.
“We have our people in the DCI, NIS and other agencies and we know all that is being planned,” said Gachagua.
