Balala suffered a political setback following his estrangement with ODM leaders and subsequent sacking from the Cabinet and has been eager to reinvent his dwindling fortunes.
As the two clasped hands before crowds at the opening of two secondary schools at Makupa and Makande in Mvita, Kalonzo described Balala as “a leader with ideas similar to mine” and claimed the two had been instrumental in the formation of ODM during campaigns for the 2005 referendum.
“I have come to announce that Kalonzo and Balala are together and will travel the journey together,” he said, adding that his Wiper Democratic Movement and Balala’s party will work together separately or as a coalition. “There will be coalitions or mergers but what is important is that we will be together. When the time comes we shall return to Tononoka Grounds to make an announcement and it will be an alliance of patriots.”
“He is a young man full of energy who can still serve you,” said Kalonzo. He also described the Mvita MP as a peacemaker pitted against “other leaders who preach bloodshed and division”.
And Balala said the VP had wrongly been portrayed as anti-Muslim yet he has nominated two Muslims to Parliament.
Balala vehicle
Although he has been associated with the yet to be launched Unity Party of Kenya, Balala hinted that he will bring his ‘vehicle’ close to the Wiper Democratic Movement.
“We are telling the Vice President that we will form a vehicle and it will be as fast as a horse. We will decide whether we will go alone or join others.”
Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama said Balala shares interests with many leaders in the WDM and urged Balala to join them to defend Kalonzo. Mosop MP David Koech said Balala was wrongfully sacked from Cabinet.
Agriculture Assistant minister Gideon Ndambuki described Thursday’s meeting as first step and told Balala to decide fast. Kinangop MP David Ngugi said Kalonzo ought to be Kenya’s next president “because he believes in God and has no blemish and will deliver to Canaan.”
The Vice President said it was time Kenyans elect leaders who are committed to peace and stability.
Among those who accompanied Kalonzo were Assistant ministers Calist Mwatela and Ndambuki, MPs Balala, Johnstone Muthama, David Koech, David Ngugi, Benson Mbai, Isaac Muoki, Nominated MPs Sheik Dor and Abdalla.
