Kalonzo Rebuffs Ruto's Invitation to Join Kenya Kwanza Alliance, Drums Up Support for Raila

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected Deputy President William Ruto’s plea to join his camp ahead of the August 9th elections.

Ruto, while campaigning in Kitui this week, beseeched Musyoka to join the Kenya Kwanza alliance so that they can form the next government together.

But in a rejoinder, Musyoka told Ruto that he is happy in the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition, adding that he does not regret his decision to back ODM leader Raila Odinga’s fifth presidential bid.

“Nilisema kwa sababu ya Kenya hii, nitamuunga mkono Raila kwa mara ya tatu, kwa sababu Kenya hii ina maana kuliko mtu binafsi,” said Musyoka.

Musyoka, a former vice president, was speaking on Saturday in Gatanga, Murang’a County, where he drummed up support for the Azimio-One Kenya coalition and its presidential flagbearer. He termed himself and President Kenyatta as guarantors of an all-inclusive Odinga presidency.

“Lakini watu wa Mt. Kenya, I am here to tell you, kwa unyenyekevu, rudisheni roho zenu chini ili tuokoe Kenya…sio Uhuru mnaokoa, mnaokoa Kenya…msiangazie watu binafsi, ndiyo nikasema nitamsaidia ndugu yangu Uhuru, liwe liwalo, come rain or shine, to give this country a proper legacy,” Kalonzo added.

He similarly criticized Ruto and his allies for disrespecting President Kenyatta, whom he described as a democrat and statesman.

"There is no president in the world like Uhuru Kenyatta who persevers criticism, hate and abuses from his junior. Uhuru, a man who has been unclothed naked by his deputy must be a statesman," he said.