Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Image | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Kalonzo Musyoka claims Raila Odinga was outmaneuvered in the broad-based government deal, stating, “He was played big time by Ruto.”
- Four ODM members joined the government without a formal coalition agreement, according to Kalonzo, who asserted, ‘They left on their own volition without any coalition agreement.’
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed his views on the recent political developments involving Raila Odinga and President William Ruto’s broad-based government.
During a TV47 interview, Musyoka alleged that Odinga was outsmarted in the arrangement that saw four prominent ODM members join the Kenya Kwanza Cabinet.
“I tried to evaluate the arrangement and found it confusing. I don’t want to defend Raila, but he was played big time by Ruto,” Musyoka stated. He revealed he had warned Odinga about the potential risks, saying, “I asked him, I feel like this issue will jeopardise your political succession.”
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka speaking during a TV47 interview on Wednesday night, August 28, 2024. IMAGE: Kalonzo Musyoka/X
Musyoka pointed out that the four ODM politicians – Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, Opiyo Wandayi, and John Mbadi – entered the government without any formal agreement.
“They left on their own volition without any coalition agreement. These are now employees of President William Ruto,” he asserted.
The Wiper leader has been a vocal opponent of the broad-based government initiative, consistently refusing to work with Ruto’s administration.
He emphatically stated, “They think that I, Kalonzo Musyoka, can join their government? I can’t, my conscience will not allow me.”
While Odinga has publicly distanced himself from the appointments, he did wish the nominees well, saying, “We extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development.”
This move has been criticized by Musyoka, who sees it as a departure from their previous opposition stance.
The political landscape continues to shift, with Musyoka now positioning himself as a potential successor to Odinga in the Azimio coalition leadership, especially as Odinga pursues the African Union Commission chairmanship.