Kalonzo Changes Tune On Recognising Ruto As President
Kalonzo claimed that his words regarding the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza regime were taken out of context.
Marvin Chege 
Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has distanced himself from media reports that claimed the Azimio la Umoja coalition now acknowledges President William Ruto as Kenya's legitimately elected Head of State.
In a statement on Facebook, Kalonzo claimed that his words regarding the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza regime were taken out of context.
"I have noticed that a section of the media has in the last few hours misquoted my recent statement on the state of affairs in our country. Particularly on the legitimacy of the current regime," Kalonzo stated.
The former Vice President made it clear that the ongoing bipartisan talks between the opposition and the government would stick to address key issues, including an audit of the 2022 general elections.
Kalonzo Musyoka speaking in Taita Taveta County on August 3, 2023. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
"As Azimio, we remain clear that the issues for discussion and negotiations as framed by both teams, include among others.
"A comprehensive audit of the 2022 presidential elections that in our view will finally settle the matter. So far, there has been political goodwill from both sides and we congratulate our teams for this," he added.
On Saturday, September 2, while attending the burial of Constance Mwandawiro in Voi, Taita Taveta, Kalonzo lauded President Ruto's move to allow the ongoing bipartisan talks to take place despite opposition from a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders.
"I must congratulate the president because he has put his foot down and said that the discussions should continue.
"Because of his firm stance, we recognize him and we will wait for another period. As Robert Mbui has said, who knows, we must respect God," said Kalonzo.
At the same time, he chided Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua affirming that no one will stop the talks that are now a law after the National Assembly and Senate enshrined the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
"We don't have any conflict with anyone, but we have an issue with the words of other people, like when his deputy (Gachagua) went to the funeral in Ukambani and made statements that upset the people of Machakos, and others looked at him wondering, what kind of person he is. We are going to call everybody to order, and nobody is going to stop these discussions,” Kalonzo added.
Kalonzo's sentiments recognising Ruto's leadership would be dismissed by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua among others who reacted to the remarks by stating "Not true."
On Friday, September 1, Kalonzo revealed that the NADCO settled on five issues that will be classified as priorities in the ongoing bipartisan talks.
Kalonzo who leads the Azimio la Umoja bipartisan side in the committee agreed to prioritize electoral and justice-related matters, a follow-up from the first deal they signed regarding the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to end the political standoff against the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The second and third issues involved outstanding constitutional matters and fidelity to political parties and coalitions.
The last two priority issues dealt with entrenching funds into the constitution and the establishment and entrenchment of state officers.
"We also encourage Kenyans to participate in this important process by sending their memoranda within the given timeline as recently advertised in the dailies," he added.
Kenyans can give their views by writing an email to the National Dialogue Committee through [email protected] or written memoranda addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly or Clerk of the Senate through P.O Box 41842-00100 Nairobi.
The memoranda should be delivered to the Ground Floor, Parliament Buildings.
Kenyans can also submit oral representations at the Public Hearings to be held on a date commissioned by the National Dialogue Committee.
Kenyans will be required to make their submission on or before September 8, 2023.
After collecting the views, the two camps will weigh in on the additional information obtained through public input to properly structure the framework.
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