In Summary

• Kalonzo will never deputise Raila as his deputy again, Wambua said.

• The only way they could ever work together is for Kalonzo to be the presidential candidate and Raila could be his deputy, he said.

 

Enock Wambua, Kitui Senator.
RAILA FOR DP: Enock Wambua, Kitui Senator.
Image: LINAH MUSANGI

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has said the Wiper Party won’t allow its leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be coerced into supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga for president.

He said on Sunday Kalonzo must be the presidential candidate, Raila could be his deputy.

Wambua said Wiper's leadership is determined  to ensure Kalonzo's name is on the ballot for president in 2022 — nothing less.

Wambua's remarks come few days after a meeting between the former Nasa principals and President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mombasa. The President urged them to unite and support Raila to defeat Deputy President William Ruto in 2022.

The only way we can work together is if Mr Odinga joins Kalonzo as his deputy, if Odinga wants to be in government past 2022.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua

The Kitui senator spoke after attending the consecration ceremony of Amos Mutinda, the new Eastern region overseer of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Kitui town.

Wambua said based on experience and integrity, the Wiper Party leader was up to the task and it is time Kenyans made him president.

“Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has supported Raila twice as his deputy, he was a deputy at Mwai Kibaki’s government and was a key ally of President Moi.

"The time is ripe for him now to present himself on the ballot for Kenyans to elect him as president,” Wambua said.

"He's the best presidential candidate the nation has ever had and he is the only sure bet for a better future come 2022.

He said Kalonzo has more than 30 years' experience in government, including being MP for five consecutive terms. He was Cabinet Secretary in government ministries and a vice president under President Mwai Kibaki.

Wambua said Kalonzo is the only person who negotiates on behalf of the Kamba community at the national level. He said the whole Eastern region was fully behind him.

The senator said the only thing Wiper could tolerate was Raila being Kalonzo's deputy and he was not desperate for Raila's support.

“ODM's Raila Odinga is free to do whatever he feels right, but let me make it clear Kalonzo Musyoka won’t ever again be his deputy.

"The only way we can work together is if Mr Odinga joins Kalonzo as his deputy, if Mr Odinga wants to be in government past 2022," he said.

(Edited by V. Graham)

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