According to Jubilee Party Vice-Chairman David Murathe, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is still in the Azimio-One Kenya alliance and expects to stay.
After failing to clinch the coalition’s party running mate position, where he wanted to be nominated as Raila Odinga’s deputy, Kalonzo announced his withdrawal from the Azimio coalition.
Kalonzo can’t leave the camp yet, according to Murathe, because the coalition agreement specifies that no member can leave the political party six months before or three months after the elections.
“Kalonzo is still in Azimio because that agreement says you cannot leave 6 months before the election or 3 months after election,” said Murathe speaking to NTV on Sunday.
“The reason for that is in the event of a runoff you cannot then pledge your allegiance to the other formation so I believe Kalonzo is in Azimio to stay voluntarily.”
Murathe reiterated that Kalonzo is not being forced to stay in Azimio, but that he is free to run on a Wiper ticket, which has been addressed amicably by the coalition’s leaders.
“He is not being forced by anyone. If he would want to quit and vie as a presidential candidate on a Wiper ticket then we have no problem with that and I am told he had been told as much,” stated Murathe.
“As far as I am concerned he is in Azimio to stay and as far as I am concerned he is free to run.”
Meanwhile, the Wiper leader has hinted at a possible comeback if his complaints are addressed.
“There’s no hostility here, this is brotherly contest. But as we move on, we’ll keep reviewing our position,” Musyoka said while unveiling his running mate Andrew Sunkuli.
If Odinga wins the presidency, he has promised to appoint Musyoka as Chief Minister, with powers to coordinate and supervise government affairs.
Musyoka’s allies insist that the position must be anchored in the Azimio coalition agreement as a guarantee to avoid post-election squabbles should he rejoin the fold.
