‘Sibling’ rivalry that baffles friend and foe

By Kipchumba Some

They have variously been described as ‘the political comedians of Ukambani’ and their on and off political fights have earned them ‘the squabbling couple’ tag.

This is in reference to the raging battle for political supremacy between Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Water Minister Charity Ngilu.

Last week, another battle between the two kicked off with all the attendant theatrics that have long characterised their clashes for dominance.

The cause of their fight this time round is Kalonzo’s proposal to form a triple alliance comprising the Kalenjin, Kikuyu and Kamba communities ahead of 2012 General Election.

Although Kalonzo has been roundly condemned for the suggestion by a cross-section of leaders, it was Ngilu who fired the first salvo against the VP.

Selfish interests

She termed him a ‘selfish’ politician who puts his own interests ahead of the nation. She even termed his proposal a threat to peace.

"When you propose an alliance between three communities, what happens to the rest of the communities?" posed Ngilu.

Kalonzo, on the other hand, termed his critics hypocrites, saying those who are criticising him have begun campaigns. Supported by Environment Minister John Michuki, he vowed to soldier on.

Although he did not make direct reference to Ngilu’s comments, it was not lost to observers he might have been stung to respond to Ngilu’s comments.

"We are used to it now," says Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama. "After all they have never been friends politically and I don’t expect it to change. There has never been a truce between them. Each thinks they are better than the other."

The relationship between Ngilu and Kalonzo is arguably one of the most interesting political rivalries.

What gives it a comical edge is the way they sometimes pretend to have buried the hatchet.

As Muthama, an ally of Kalonzo, puts it, " Theirs is a relationship guided by one craving: Make sure, by all means possible, that the other does not succeed politically. It is a game with no rules."

They have been known to publicly vow to lay aside their political differences and promise to work together for the common good of their people.

However, these make-ups don’t last. Early this year, while in a function in Ukambani, they made the same pledges. It was not long before they were throwing jabs at each other.

"Ngilu does not recognise Kalonzo’s leadership in Ukambani," says Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo. "She believes she is the better politician by virtue of her track record in opposition politics."

The genesis of this rivalry, says Muthama, can be traced to 1997 when Ngilu ran for president, becoming the first woman to seek the top seat.

At the time, Kalonzo was a Cabinet minister and had risen to become the most influential politician in Ukambani. Naturally, he opposed Ngilu’s candidature.

"Ngilu has never forgiven Kalonzo for that. She feels she might have made a bigger impact on the national stage had he backed her. Since then, she has sought every opportunity to revenge," argues Muthama.

A decade down the line, positions were reversed with Kalonzo running for president in the 2007 General Election. Ngilu supported Raila Odinga, even though she had earlier opposed his bid. "She supported Raila so as not to be in the same camp with Kalonzo," says Kibwezi MP Philip Kaloki.

Muthama argues the make-ups between the two are only a matter of saving face after unnecessary wars.

Saving face

"They have always come together on certain occasions to advance the interests of the community. That is when people think they have made up. But as far as I know, they do not see eye to eye," he says.

Kaloki describes Ngilu as selfish and jealous. "She does not want to accept there can be better people than her. She has to accept that her betterdays are behind her and come to Kalonzo’s side," he remarks.

The VP has openly declared his interest for the top seat in 2012.

Ideally, his position as Vice-President gives him a headstart over other potential contenders in the race to succeed President Kibaki.

However, apart from Ngilu, he has had to contend with increasing rebellion within his own backyard. A number of youthful ODM-Kenya MPs have rebelled against his leadership and have declared him unfit for public office.

The MPs include Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo and his Mutito counterpart Kiema Kilonzo. Others not in his camp include the wealthy and assertive Kilome MP Harun Mwau, Wavinya Ndeti (Kathiani) and Charles Nyamai (Kitui South).

Kalonzo is reported to have suffered another set back with the alleged defection of Mwingi South MP David Musila to Ngilu’s camp.

But Muthama denies press reports the Defence Assistant Minister had defected.

"These are just rumours meant to destabilise our party further. Musila is a firm supporter of Kalonzo. I can confirm to you that he is still in our camp and what you are hearing is just wishful thinking."

But when The Standard on Sunday contacted him, Musila declined to comment.

Kilonzo says he will not be surprised if Musila switches sides.

"Knowing the VP to be the arrogant person who brooks no dissent, I will not be surprised if he has broken ranks," says the Mutito MP.

"That will serve to strengthen the case we have been making against him all along."

He, too, has stated he will run for president in 2012.