It has emerged that efforts by Raila Odinga's close allies to formalise discussions with Kalonzo's camp have been unsuccessful because of “non-responsiveness”.
The Star has established that Kalonzo abruptly jetted out of the country for a private visit to the United Kingdom, throwing the much-anticipated talks into jeopardy.
Kitui Senator Enock Wambua confirmed that Kalonzo is out of the country but did not provide details.
"Boss is indeed out of the country," he told the Star on the phone from Dubai.
The Wiper leader is also said to have gagged all his close allies from commenting publicly about his political future until he returns later this week.
“Don't drag me there, please, instructions are clear that we are not giving interviews about Kalonzo, just for now,” an MP said.
Kalonzo is said to have caught most of his close confidants unawares, cut short his stay at his Yatta farm and flew out of the country.
He had on May 16 said he would take 10 days off the political arena to reflect on his future and tend to his cattle.
Initially, some of Raila's allies had tried to establish contact with Kalonzo while still at his Yatta farm, but could not reach him on the phone.
Raila's inner circle members are in frantic efforts to woo Kalonzo back to Azimio to bolster the ODM leader's chances of winning the August 9 general election.
Analysts have expressed fear that without Kalonzo's Ukambani vote-bloc, it would be a tall order for Raila to beat his main rival, Deputy President William Ruto.
However, some of Kalonzo's allies have cited trust deficit concerns as the main reason the Wiper leader is reluctant to team up with Raila again without a watertight deal.
Wambua on Sunday the stand-off is more than just Kalonzo, but a "genuine and legitimate desire" to return political hygiene to the country.
"And this debate about whether or not my party leader should run for president needs to happen within the right context. It is not just about one person seeking election to a single position," he said.
"My party leader has made it clear that this is not just about him any more than it is about the Wiper fraternity spread across the country. His political base is looking up to him for direction now and into the future."
They have also accused Raila of going against an agreement with Kalonzo and President Uhuru Kenyatta promising the Wiper leader the running mate position in the August polls.
Raila presidential campaign spokesman Makau Mutua weighed in on the Kalonzo issue, saying his options are limited at the moment.
"The Kamba people are not foolish, they voted for Raila twice in 2013 and 2017. They will again vote for him in 2022 even if Kalonzo goes alone," Makau said.
Makau blamed Wambua, Makueni's Mutula Kilonzo and Makueni MP Dan Maanzo for misleading Kalonzo.
"I blame his inflexibility on the cabal around him, which may end up destroying Musyoka's political career and send him into political oblivion," he said.
On Friday, Maanzo reiterated his earlier position that Kalonzo remains the Wiper presidential candidate as per the mandate of the National Delegates Convention.
"Nothing has changed and as of now. Kalonzo is going all the way to the ballot," the MP told the Star.
Maanzo said there are no talks going on between Kalonzo's team and that of Raila with a view to teaming up again ahead of the election.
"Where is the Azimio power-sharing agreement? What is the basis of the talks?" he asked.
Kalonzo's team has maintained that for them to kick off any discussions, a commitment must be tabled to anchor any proposed power deal in law.
Raila last week proposed Kalonzo as the chief minister of his administration should he win the presidency.
Raila named Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as his running mate, while Kalonzo simultaneously unveiled Andrew Sunkuli as his preferred deputy.
Despite launching his presidential bid, Kalonzo had through his allies, indicated that there would be a window for talks with Raila only if the new post is anchored in law.
The Wiper team dismissed Raila’s offer demanding that it form part of the Azimio agreement filed at the Registrar of Political Parties.
