Kalonzo: I am not going back to Parliament

By Paul Mutua

Machakos, Kenya: Former Vice president Kalonzo Musyoka has broken his silence on the controversy of him going back to Parliament to lead Official Opposition by saying he was not interested.

Kalonzo said the debate had generated a lot of unnecessary political heat in the country and sought to end the speculations.

Speaking in Machakos on Sunday, the former VP said he would instead lead the opposition from outside parliament to strengthen and make it vibrant ahead of the 2017 General Elections.

“I want to make this issue clear and bring it to an end. I am not interested in joining the current parliament. Furthermore there is no time I said I wanted to be an MP. I am the Wiper Democratic Movement leader and I will remain to be so to so as to strengthen the party up to the next polls,” the former VP said.

He was speaking at the Anglican Church of Kenya in Machakos during the consecration of Rt Rev Joseph Mutungi to a Bishop. He said he will also work to prepare the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) to take leadership in the next polls.

 “I will continue working closely with CORD supporters in giving them guidance in making wise decisions that will help Kenyans to develop the country at large” the WDM party leader said.

He told the congregation to continue praying for him during his “short period” outside parliament in order for Kenyans voters to remain steadfast in support of CORD’s leader Raila Odinga and himself.

Kalonzo said although he had not discussed his resolve with Raila, he will be in the forefront and visible in political scenes.

The former VP said he will continue pressing for credible elections to correct mistakes like what happened in the March 4 poll.

“Never again Kenyans will accept this concept of rigged elections. The only consolation is that IEBC’s mandate will have ended by 2017 to pave a credible electoral body,” Kalonzo said.

He said they will not watch helplessly as the county slipped into political decay.