• Kalonzo said the leaders have stayed loyal and true to the Wiper party ideals, "intimidation and overt bribery" notwithstanding.
•Several Azimio leaders elected on the ODM and Jubilee tickets and other affiliate parties have since rebelled against the coalition and vowed to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Image: KALONZO MUSYOKA/TWITTER
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has thanked leaders elected on the party ticket for standing firm and refusing to be persuaded to join the Kenya Kwanza government.
In a statement during a thanksgiving service at his Yatta home on Friday, Kalonzo said the leaders have stayed loyal and true to the Wiper party ideals, "intimidation and overt bribery" notwithstanding.
"Today, I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of the Wiper leadership who despite intimidation and overt bribery stood and continue to stand firm and tall," he said.
"To our three elected governors and three deputy governors, our four senators, 23 members of Parliament, four county women members of Parliament, three speakers of county assemblies and 111 members of counties, I salute you all and in a loud voice say hongera!," he added.
Several Azimio leaders elected on the ODM and Jubilee tickets and other affiliate parties have since rebelled against the coalition and vowed to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Among them are EALA MP Kanini Kega and former Murang'a Woman Rep Sabina Chege who are currently embroiled in a leadership wrangle within the Jubilee party.
Kalonzo commended the Wiper leaders for their fidelity to the party saying it's because of this resolve Wiper has achieved diversity of representation and grown from a regional to a national party.
"Against all odds, we have grown from the Ukambani region of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties and spread to Taita Taveta, Tana River, Nairobi, Kajiado, Embu, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Garissa and Wajir," Kalonzo said.
"Wiper has a presence in 14 counties and as a movement, I earnestly believe this is just the beginning," he added.
The Azimio co-principal told those who sought elective seats on the Wiper party ticket but lost to take heart saying the party will continue to support their political ambitions.
Kalonzo also expressed gratitude to the men, women and youth who spent endless days and nights campaigning for Wiper candidates at the county and national levels terming them unsung heroes.
"It was because of your efforts - often on a voluntary basis - that our Movement has grown in leaps. Asanteni sana (Thank you very much)," he added.
The Wiper leader termed the meeting the second Yatta declaration preceded by one held on January 15, 2022.
He said in one resolve, they will not resume the now suspended bipartisan talks unless the Kenya Kwanza side cedes to their demands on the four issues they have raised.
Kalonzo said there seems to be a sustained attempt from the government to take the country back to the single-party democracy by "consuming legitimate political parties".
He asked Kenyans to reject in totality the proposed tax measures in the Finance Bill, 2023 which he said will turn them into paupers through excessive taxation.
"This is our appointed time to make a difference, and today here in Yatta, under the sun, we ask all Kenyans to join in the noble cause of political and economic liberation," Kalonzo said.