A Chief Cabinet Secretary position and 30 per cent of government nailed the deal bringing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka — and likely two million votes — back to Raila and Azimio.
The Star established that Raila and Kalonzo penned the deal on Tuesday after intense and delicate negotiations overseen by Kanu chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi.
On Thursday, Kalonzo announced shelving his presidential bid and rejoining the coalition, which he ditched mid last month after losing the running mate slot.
Raila picked Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua ahead of Kalonzo who had lobbied hard for the Deputy President position.
He offered Kalonzo the chief CS slot.
Political observers said Kalonzo’s return to the Azimio fold will bolster Raila’s presidential bid with only 66 days to the August 9 polls.
“The reunion patents a serious political gain for Raila. It gives him a general political advantage, especially in getting the Kamba vote that is stronger in Lower Eastern and considerable in Nairobi and the Coast,"political analyst Javas Bigambo said.
Kalonzo, considered the Ukambani kingpin, will likely consolidate about two million votes for Raila.
He will likely lock out Deputy President William Ruto who has been on a vigorous charm offensive in the area.
In both the 2013 and 2017 general elections, when Kalonzo deputised Raila, the region voted almost to a man and woman for the ODM boss. They narrowly lost to Uhuru Kenyatta on both occasions.
Kalonzo and his Oka wing of Azimio have been offered five Cabinet positions and at least 30 per cent of ambassadorial and parastatal appointments if Raila becomes president.
“There are so many offers. There are so many things that were negotiated and agreed. They are sharing the government. It is 30 per cent of the government,” Matungulu MP Stephen Mule said.
Among the ministries Kalonzo has been offered are Energy, Water and Sanitation, Devolution and Health.
Sources close to Gideon but not authorised to speak on his behalf also confirmed that Kalonzo’s wing will get 30 per cent of Raila’s government.
“They are negotiating especially on parastatal appointments but generally, and on the other positions, they have agreed,” the source said.
He revealed Wiper would share the positions with Kanu.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua termed the deal a much better agreement that takes care of Kalonzo’s "big house".
“When my party leader rejected the position of Chief Cabinet Secretary and asked for some days to consult and negotiate, it cannot be that he was just negotiating for the same single position,” he said.
Wambua added, “He has come out with a much better deal for his party and the people who believe in him.”
I have today deferred my dreams to run for the president of the Republic of Kenya
On Thursday, Kalonzo said he made the decision to reunite with the ODM boss after thorough consultations with the clergy, professionals, his party and supporters, and intense negotiations.
“As a people, our true measure lies in our ability to discern when the nation is bigger than an individual,” Kalonzo said at a press conference at his SKM Command Centre in Karen, Nairobi.
“Therefore, after deep introspection, I have today deferred my dreams to run for the president of the Republic of Kenya in the forthcoming general elections,” he said.
Kalonzo said that he accepted Raila’s offer of the chief minister "with humility".
“Beginning today, I commit myself to the Azimio-Oka campaign activities because we are in this race to win,” the Wiper boss said
The former vice president was flanked by Gideon Moi, indicating the pivotal role the Baringo senator played in the negotiations.
On Monday, the Star exclusively reported about Gideon being at the centre of negotiations to broker a truce between Raila and Kalonzo.
“As we head into the election, we have a clear choice as a country. We have an opportunity to choose a united and prosperous Kenya,” he said.
On Thursday, Kalonzo heaped praise on Gideon, describing him as a true brother who stood with him during his happiest and darkest moments.
“To my brother, you have redefined the meaning and essence of brotherhood. You have been with me in the best of moments and the darkest of hours. You are a gentleman. Receive my heartfelt gratitude,” he said.
Gideon responded in kind.
He said Kalonzo is a true Kenyan patriot who set aside his ambitions for the sake of the country.
“The gratitude is mine. Today you have subordinated your ambitions and dreams not for anything but the Republic of Kenya, for the sake of the people of Kenya.
“And for me, it was easy to stand by your side simply because of your character, simply because of the love of the God you have had,” Gideon said.
Addressing a joint rally at Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Embakasi South constituency shortly after Kalonzo’s declaration, Raila welcomed the Wiper leader back. He said he harbours no grudge against his two-time running mate.
He described Kalonzo as a long-time comrade who has been a constant companion on the journey to liberate the country.
Raila said Azimio is now a complete team and warned their rivals to brace for an epic contest.
“There is nothing between me and Kalonzo. We are continuing with the journey we started many years ago and we must reach our destination,” the Azimio boss said.
The rally was attended by Gideon Moi, Governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Hassan Joho (Mombasa) and DAP-K party leader Wafula Wamunyinyi, among others.
The ODM leader also reiterated his early commitment to have Kalonzo as his chief minister should he form the next government in the August 9 polls.
I've come to play the (Lionel) Messi role. I was just in the reserve bench. I urge President to relax and let Raila, Kalonzo and Martha save this country
Explaining the new docket, Raila said Kalonzo will also be in charge of another ministry which he did not identify.
“It (chief minister) is like Prime Minister, we have agreed with him that he will also run another ministry,” Raila said.
“Kenya owes gratitude to Kalonzo, with this development, we are sure of a round one win," the Baringo senator said.
The former Vice President expressed confidence of a landslide win for Azimio .
“I've come to play the (Lionel) Messi role. I was just in the reserve bench. I want to tell the President to relax and let Raila, Kalonzo and Martha save this country,” he said.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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