Recently, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has been praising president Uhuru Kenyatta, the man he criticized harshly during the 2017 election campaigns.
Last Friday during the Komarock 2 Convention in Matungulu, Machakos, Kalonzo called for the removal of the presidential term limit. He suggested that Mr Kenyatta should seek a third term.
Considering that he had previously said he would be in the ballot in 2022 and that he was not willing to play lesser a role in the post-2022 era, his recent remarks shows a contradiction, portraying him as undecided man who is unsure of what he wants.
The remarks sparked a flurry of reactions, with critics gleefully saying he had given up his presidential ambitions.
In the latest remarks, Kalonzo said Uhuru is the best President Kenya has ever had, delivering a damning verdict for the country’s three past heads of state — including Mwai Kibaki, who appointed him Vice President between 2007 and 2013.
He said the President’s development track record and determination to fight graft was unparalleled, thus the reason he would back him to be Prime Minister.
He further said he was more than willing to take up the Deputy Prime Minister post, should Kenyans approve it in a referendum.
“I could step down for him (Uhuru) if he wants to be Prime Minister. If it is that what he wants, I will support him wholeheartedly and perhaps I will be going for the Deputy Prime Minister as long as everything is on the table,” Kalonzo said.
The remarks triggered a swift response from his Ukambani backyard.
Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua yesterday said the Wiper leader’s remarks confirmed he was no longer in the 2022 presidential race.
Kenyans are left guessing Kalonzo’s change of tune. Does he want any favour from the president now?