Kalonzo best suited for presidency, Wiper

Wiper Party leader and National Dialogue Committee Co-Chair Kalonzo Musyoka at Bomas of Kenya on November 06, 2023. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Wiper MPs have reaffirmed their allegiance to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya and Kalonzo Musyoka's presidential candidature in 2027.

Speaking in Nairobi while receiving new members from Narok, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties, the Wiper MPs led by party Secretary General Shakila Abdalla maintained that they remain rooted in Azimio but are pushing for a Kalonzo-presidency.

"We (Kenya) have a problem and we think we have a solution. Remember the best president we ever had was Mwai Kibaki. The country is looking for that again. For us, in Meru, we see Kalonzo as the answer because right now the country is in a very tricky situation," said Prof Gitilie Naituli.

"We stand with Azimio and the most important is that we stand with Kenyans. Kenyans have endorsed honorable Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka," said Matungulu MP Stephen Mule.

The MPs further warned that bipartisan talks risk going down the drain if the National Dialogue Committee does not find consensus on the issue of cost of living.

"The main agenda is the cost of living. If the cost of living will not go down, that bipartisan talks will not go anywhere," said Senator Shakila.

With just three days remaining to the conclusion of talks, the committee is at a critical juncture, grappling with critical matters affecting the lives of Kenyans. Following a deadlock last week, wherein both sides failed to reach consensus on the cost living, there is anticipation for further input today from the Treasury Cabinet Secretary.

During last week's session, Azimio representatives suggested the removal of the housing levy and an eight per cent reduction in Value-Added Tax (VAT), which failed to garner consensus.

With rising dissent among the public over the hard economic times, the talks are crucial in determining the opposition's next cause of action having in mind that the anti-government demonstrations mid this year were linked to the cost of living.

Despite the challenge of a looming deadline and an uncertain outcome from the talks, the two committee co-chairs, Kalonzo Musyka and Kimani Ichungw'a have committed to confronting the outstanding issues.

The Wiper MPs did not miss the opportunity to fault President William Ruto's foreign trips. They argued that Kenya's problems cannot be solved overseas.

"The former President of the United States Barack Obama made less than 30 trips overseas in eight years. Our own president is heading to 100 trips in a year. What are you looking out there when Kenyans are suffering here," said Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule.

The MPs stated that the party will continue with its recruitment drive intended to solidify the support base in readiness to take on Kenya Kwanza Alliance in the next elections.