In what appears to be Ukambani supremacy battle, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has asked former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to support his 2022 presidential bid.
But Mr Musyoka says he was misquoted by the media but Dr Mutua on Sunday said the proposal indicated that his rival had shelved his presidential bid.
“His proposal to remove the presidential term limit and extend that of President Kenyatta is a confirmation that he is no longer in the presidential race,” he told journalists at Mombasa County’s Pride Inn Hotel.
“For that reason and because I am the only leader from the Eastern region who has declared that he wants to run for the presidency, I request him to support my bid.”
In October 2018, Mr Kalonzo said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga had not affected his State House ambition.
Dr Mutua noted, however, that he was not supportive of the Wiper party leader’s proposal as that would mean “taking the country back to the dark days of dictatorship”.
It is important to acknowledge the young generation that has been denied leadership for years as the old guard cling to power, he said.
“The young generation need to be to inspired. People who push for the removal of presidential limits have a problem passing the baton to others because they want to cling to power forever,” said Mr Kalonzo, who spoke flanked by Deputy Governor Francis Malit. “Kenyans need politics that is forward-looking,”
In line with this, the governor said Mr Musyoka’s lack of a political stand on what he has said, over the years, has given the public reason not to choose him for the top seat.
“A leader should be a person who takes a position and sticks to it. I am surprised when people say they want to be President and then become so wishy-washy’. How can you trust somebody who keeps on changing his position about being your Commander in Chief? You cannot.”
Concerning referendum calls, Dr Mutua said his Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader wants it realised.