By Francis Ngige

NAIROBI; KENYA: Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s political career took a different direction after the 2005 referendum on the proposed draft Constitution, which also redefined Kenyan politics.

It is the year that politicians from across the divide united against President Kibaki’s position to defeat the proposed law that was commonly known as the Wako Draft.

With the opposing side having an orange as its sign, the group led by Raila Odinga, Kalonzo, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto used the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to rally Kenyans against the law.

Kalonzo, who was among politicians who had led a mass defection from Kanu in 2002 to protest against President Daniel arap Moi’s choice of successor in Uhuru Kenyatta, found himself on the same side with the Gatundu South MP.

Just as the dust settled after the referendum, Kalonzo was among senior Narc Government politicians that President Kibaki dismissed from Cabinet.

He together with Raila and Ruto became founding members of ODM-Kenya, a political party that brought politicians who had campaigned against the Constitution.

Political rhymes

A power struggle later ensued over party leadership and its flag-bearer in the run up to the 2007 presidential elections, leading to a major fall-out between Kalonzo and Raila.

Although in public they appeared united, behind the curtains it was an all out war between the two and their allies as the 2007 election beckoned.

Cracks had started to emerge within ODM-Kenya as supporters of Kalonzo and Raila quarrelled in public and some instances disrupting public rallies convened by the party.

The jostling over party leadership was the final straw that broke the camels back, with the then Secretary General Daniel Maanzo, who was allied to Kalonzo, being accused of clinging to the party then known as ODM Kenya.

After realising that he was fighting a losing battle, Raila made a tactical retreat and reverted to the original ODM, whose registering had been done by other officials.

With Raila now in ODM, Kalonzo threw his hat in the ring and said his name would be in the presidential ballot paper.

Dented chances

That marked the parting of political path between Raila and Kalonzo, who went on to become sworn enemies with no kind words for each other.

Kalonzo’s move dented Raila’s chances but he was lucky to retain the rest of the leaders in ODM that included Musalia Mudavadi, William Ruto and Najib Balala.

Although his numbers diminished, Kalonzo’s bid did largely affect the outcome of the presidential race but many argued that his support of either candidate would have provided an outright winner.

Since the 2007 elections, Raila and Kalonzo have been singing different political rhymes and it is not until a few weeks ago that they have joined together in a political pact.