I am Beyond a Mkamba, Kalonzo Says as Raila’s Running Mate Debate Hots Up

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka wants the Azimio-One Kenya coalition to pick him as the presidential running mate.

While dismissing those who have given him a tribal tag, Musyoka stated that he is a national leader who is committed to articulating the interest of all Kenyans.

He argued that ethnic dynamics should not be one of the factors to be considered when picking a running mate for the coalition’s presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga.

Musyoka, who spoke at a church service in South C, Nairobi on Sunday, noted that even if ethnic background was to be considered, he is also from the Mount Kenya region, having schooled in Meru, and speaks Kimeru. 

"Some people argue that the running mate must be a Kikuyu. I'm actually from the mountain. I went to school in Meru I speak a little bit of Meru so in truth I'm part of the mountain," said Kalonzo.

"Even if you tribalize a country, then remember also the faith community to a very large extent they do not believe divisions on if they are Kamba, Meru or Kikuyu. Those Kenyans who look at me as a kamba do not understand me. Kalonzo is beyond a Mkamba.”

Musyoka said he will hold consultations with President Kenyatta and Odinga to deliberate on who will be the coalition’s running mate.

"We will consult with Raila and Uhuru on the running mate question, I am in the decision-making organ. There's hierarchy in the coalition leadership structure," Musyoka said.

Musyoka, Nark-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya are among those touted as the potential running mate of Odinga.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has given political parties until April 28th to submit the names of their presidential candidates and running mates.