‘You Have No Funds to Sustain Presidential Campaign’: Muthama Tells Kalonzo

The discord between Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama played out in public on Saturday.

The two former political allies traded barbs at the burial of Mulu Mutisya’s son, Samuel Mutuku in Mwala, Machakos County.

Speaking at the funeral, Muthama, who joined Deputy President William Ruto’s camp after falling out with Kalonzo a few months ago, said Kalonzo has no chance of succeeding in President Kenyatta in 2022.

He called on members of the Kamba community to rally behind DP Ruto, adding that Kalonzo lacks the resources to mount a presidential campaign.

“I want to tell Kalonzo and those cheering him on that presidential campaigns are not conducted the same way village politics are held. Those who are serious about their presidential ambitions, hold huge gatherings in Nairobi, Mombasa, and other key regions across Kenya.” 

“Mounting a spirited presidential campaign requires huge financial resources and highly-strategic foot soldiers,” said Muthama, adding that DP Ruto has all it takes.

The remarks rubbed Kalonzo the wrong way, forcing him to hit back at Muthama when he was called to address mourners at the funeral ceremony.

Kalonzo claimed Muthama was to blame for his political woes, accusing him of misleading him into joining forces with ODM leader Raila Odinga ahead of the 2013 elections.

“Muthama, I won’t allow you to mislead me for a third time. You have failed me on two key separate occasions. This time around, on matters of national politics, I will go to the negotiating table alone. Go tell the deputy president that I will face off against him in the 2022 presidential election,” said Musyoka.

“I do not want to deputize Ruto, and no one will shepherd me to a politician the same way a cow owner does when he or she is taking the animal to the market.”

He added: “I have had enough of being used by other people for their own selfish political gains. This time around, I will go to the negotiating table, I won’t send any go-betweens like I did in the past. Muthama, you took me to Raila Odinga — twice — and the results are public knowledge. I won’t continue playing second fiddle. Time has come for me to chart my own course. And, hear this, Muthama: ‘you cannot block Athi River waters from flowing by planting thickets in the watercourse’.”