CORD MPs insist on Kalonzo comeback

Wiper members, led by Kitui Governor David Musila (centre), address a Press conference at party’s headquarters in Nairobi, yesterday.  [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]

By Roselyne Obala

Nairobi, Kenya: Despite efforts to bring former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka back to Parliament bearing no fruit, some legislators are still pressing for his return.

On Tuesday, immediately after the MPs held a parliamentary group meeting at Wiper House in Nairobi, party chairman David Musila affirmed that they had many ways to secure Kalonzo a seat in the august House.

Coming a day after the retreat, Musila stated that they had the option of a petition, nominations or stepping down.

Even as Musila stated the party on the matter, former Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo was notably absent.

Sources close to The Standard confirmed that Mutula, who is also the Makueni Senator, is reported to be against the move.

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He was also absent at the Naivasha retreat where it was resolved that the former VP makes his way back to Parliament to represent the coalition.

Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze would hold on an interim basis until Kalonzo’s return.

Hurdle

Wiper party now has to clear the hurdle of the National Assembly even as Musila guarantees that they will have a way.

“Stepping down is not the issue here. Many have offered to do it if called upon. We are not short of people who want to surrender their seats,” explained Musila.

The Senator appeared to downplay an eminent stalemate after two legislators allegedly declined to give up their elective positions.

On Tuesday, Musila sought to clarify that Kalonzo was not desperate to make a comeback but was compelled by the coalition.

“The former VP is not desperate to go to Parliament. However, as a coalition we have prevailed upon him to do,” reiterated Musila.

The Kitui Senator absolved Kalonzo of any blame confirming that all legislators were ready to step down if called to do so.

“Our legislators are ready and have pledged to pave way if approached and we are yet to exhaust all means of making this work,” he noted.

He continued: “This decision is unanimous to enable Kalonzo take leadership in the House, a mandate given by CORD to be effected at the right time.”

Makueni Senator Johnstone Muthama argued that this would not be the first time an elected leader steps down for another.

“We have 189 petitions in court. The nomination option still stands and anything can happen,” he added.

Technical issues

He, however, regretted that despite publicly confirming that he was ready to give up his position, the post is in the Senate and not Parliament.

“I am more than willing to surrender my position and had even prepared the speech. However, the hiccup is that it is in the Senate. We are dealing with the technical issues internally,” noted Muthama.

Surprisingly, when Kalonzo emerged after the meeting, he declined to field any questions from the media maintaining that the party had spoken.

“Let’s agree, when the party has spoken this is what we stand by,” he said.