Ruto seeks deal with Kalonzo ahead of 2022 poll

Deputy President William Ruto (left) with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during the burial ceremony of Mama Rael Mbeleete Mailu in Makindu, Makueni County. [DPPS]

Deputy President William Ruto has asked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to consider a pre-election coalition with him ahead of 2022, stirring talk of a political union that has been hushed for some time.

Dr Ruto asked Kalonzo, who was ODM leader Raila Odinga’s running mate in their unsuccessful presidential runs in 2013 and 2017, to consider working with him so they can boost their chances to succeed President Uhuru Kenya who retires in 2022 after serving two presidential terms.

“I worked with him (Raila) before and made him prime minister. I stepped out and gave him to Kalonzo. The mistake I did was that I didn’t inform Kalonzo that Raila can’t win. I went and assisted Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013 and became president, and in 2017. We should continue talking with Kalonzo, work together so that we can move Kenya forward together,” the DP told the former vice president.

Instructively, the DP made the plea at a funeral also attended by former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, who on the eve of last year’s Jamuhuri Day, sparked a political storm with a declaration that he would lead coalition talks between Ruto and Kalonzo.

Mr Muthama then vowed to lead a delegation of senior political leaders from Ukambani to negotiate for Kalonzo’s position in a coalition with Ruto ahead of the 2022 General Election. 

But Kalonzo denounced Muthama’s proposals, saying he was not speaking for him and alleged a scheme to drive a wedge between him and Uhuru.

At a meeting of Wiper party he convened at his Yatta farm last year, Kalonzo would state that he will be in a political formation that Uhuru will support in the lead-up to 2022 elections.

At the weekend, while addressing mourners during the burial of Rael Mbeleete, mother of former Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, Ruto warned Kalonzo against working with any political outfit that might dump him at the end.

He cautioned Kalonzo against working with Raila, describing him as a person who can’t win election if the past experience is something to go by.

On Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Ruto attacked politicians organising barazas and said they should instead let the technical team to go to the grassroots and hear from Kenyans.

But Kalonzo said BBI was unstoppable, noting all roads will be leading to Unoa Grounds in Wote, Makueni County, on February 7 for mega BBI rally where Wiper party will announce their stand.

On succession politics, Kalonzo said he is yet to announce his stand, but will do so when that time comes.

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, who was present, told Kalonzo to align himself with Ruto to form the next government.