Kalonzo, while addressing the press in Nairobi, expressed confidence in the support of his team by Kenyans, despite being outnumbered in Parliament.
Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday, August 27 expressed his readiness to take over from Raila Odinga as the official opposition leader, slightly over a month after he was chosen to lead the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.
Kalonzo, while addressing the press in Nairobi, expressed confidence in the support of his team by Kenyans, despite being outnumbered in Parliament. That team includes Babu Owino, Peter Salasya, Eugene Wamalwa, and Jeremiah Kioni among others.
“Yes, I am ready to be the Leader of the Official Opposition. This is the team. You will see the Opposition like never before.
“We may be light in numbers in Parliament, but outside, we have the People of Kenya,” Kalonzo stated.
Kalonzo Musyoka speaking in Mumbuni, Machakos County on May 2, 2024. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
Kalonzo’s remarks come amidst Raila’s remarks that he would not be involved in Kenyan politics going forward, instead putting his political know-how on the African stage as he campaigns for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson seat.
Odinga, who spoke on Wednesday, August 21, during a joint media briefing with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, noted that it will be a transitional phase from active participation in Kenyan politics and moving to African continental politics.
The AUC bid was launched on August 27 formally at State House by President William Ruto, which Kalonzo was notably absent for. In the address, he claimed that since he was the opposition leader, it was impossible to attend the meeting, perhaps in adherence to the values of the opposition.
The Azimio principal further revealed that attending the event at State House would have proved grounds for a betrayal to the young protesters whom he claimed lost their lives while fighting for the country’s liberation.
“We want to show that there is an official opposition in this country. We welcome our senior leaders in the region, the EAC presidents including President Museveni, Suluhu and Salva Kiir,” Kalonzo noted.
“Maybe we wouldn’t have had enough time like we had today if I had gone to State House. Remember some of us have issues. I am sorry I will not go to State House.”
Nonetheless, Kalonzo expressed optimism in the former Prime Minister as he began his official campaign trail for the AUC chair role.
“As a coalition, we believe that the Rt. Honourable Odinga’s leadership and vision will greatly contribute to the future of the African Union and the broader goals of peace, stability, and prosperity across Africa,” Kalonzo stated.
At State House, President Ruto revealed that so far, seven countries have pledged full support for Raila ahead of the elections to be held in February 2025 at AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. All states in the East African Community (EAC) have so far confirmed their support.
Among the heads of states that have endorsed Raila’s candidacy are Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Gervais Ndirakobuca, Prime Minister of Burundi, and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Other presidents that have pledged support for Raila’s candidacy include; Felix Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
In a show of solidarity, various dignitaries from across the continent graced the occasion to throw their weight behind Raila. Former Nigerian President Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete were present.
Raila is seeking to succeed the outgoing chair of AU Mousa Faki Mahamat of Chad and enjoys the backing of President Ruto and other Heads of State from across the continent. Earlier this month, Somali Foreign Minister Fawzia Yusuf withdrew from the tight race and announced support for Raila, handing the former Prime Minister a major boost.
To clinch the coveted continental seat, Raila only needs 66 per cent of the votes which is equivalent to 32 countries.
Presidents William Ruto (Center), Yoweri Museveni and Samia Suluhu (Left), and Salva Kiir with Raila Odinga (Right) and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Jakaya Kikwete (behind) at State House, Nairobi. /PCS