Why Kalonzo Musyoka should consider joining Ruto's camp

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a political rally. [File, Standard] For the cause of freedom, Raila Odinga stood tall. In his bravery, he gave his all. Yet death, ever cruel, denied him the chance to settle all the political debts he carried, especially the political debt owed to Kalonzo Musyoka, who had stood with him since 2013. Baba departed last week and took with him Kalonzo's debt to the Sheol. But in his absence, William Ruto remains holding the political 'will' to settle the debt. It is in this spirit that we call upon Kalonzo to meet Ruto 'behind the tent' in pursuit of that political settlement. In the Bible, the prophet Elijah, nearing the end of his ministry, was followed by a young man named Elisha. At one moment, Elisha said to Elijah, "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit." Elijah replied, "You have asked a difficult thing but if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours; otherwise, it will not." Relate this biblical story to this: In 2013 and 2017, Kalonzo was a key ally of Raila. He was looking to inherit Raila's political power, influence and portion. But in 2022, he strayed. He famously declared he would be a fool to support Raila's presidential dream for a third time. Though he later rejoined Raila's camp, it was not with the previous conviction. After 2022, in the absence of a willing heir, Raila yielded to the President. For three years, he remained focused, deliberate and conforming. He shocked the nation when he said, "I will support Ruto until 2027." That statement still remains unpacked even when he is gone. Had Kalonzo remained with Raila through 2022, he might have caught the mantle, like the biblical Elisha. Raila could have declared to the nation: "Let us support Kalonzo, a friend who has stood with me since 2013, for 2027" and it would have been so easy. But we are here to tell 'Man Stevo' that all is not lost. Although Kalonzo joined Rigathi Gachagua to form the United Opposition, he is clearly not of the Opposition. Kalonzo's political DNA is of the system. His inheritance has waited since 2013. Therefore, 2027 is his moment to return. That is why Kalonzo should go back to his estate (government) because it does not befit him or the nation when he is out there. To Ruto, Kalonzo is the only political figure who can give him a blessing of a second term and bring no sorrow. This is because Kalonzo is loved in Raila's orphaned nation, and slotting him will make the broad-based government broader and inclusive. It is only through Kalonzo that Luo Nyanza and Ukambani will feel that Ruto is fulfilling what would have been Raila's wish. Therefore, including Kalonzo would mean incorporating the whole spirit of the 2017 NASA coalition into government. However, Kalonzo must be willing and obedient. Only then can he eat of the fruit of his political destiny. And if that happens, what more can the nation ask for? If our leaders can come together again, as they did in 2002, to forge a better Kenya, it would be a moment of national healing. We have stated here before that, there is reward when good leaders stay outside government, shouting "corruption!" from the sidelines. It is better if they enter the so-called "straying regime" and change it from within. This line of thought may taste bitter to some. Many will say it's conformity. But governance is not built on perpetual opposition; it is rooted in love for the nation and the willingness to sacrifice personal ambition for the greater cause. When leaders clash, the nation suffers. Raila was honoured in death for his rare ability to challenge power and unite with it when the country needed healing. He showed us that true leadership means putting Kenya first. Rest in peace, Baba. Dr Ndonye is Dean of Kabarak University's School of Music and Media

Why Kalonzo Musyoka should consider joining Ruto's camp

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