Kalonzo Speaks On Pulling Out Of Speaker Race

The meeting with Senators was held at his Karen Command Centre

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Sep 9, 2022 - 08:01 Updated: Sep 9, 2022 - 08:01
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Kalonzo Speaks On Pulling Out Of Speaker Race
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. /FILE

Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, has explained why he withdrew from the Senate speaker's race at the eleventh hour.

He stated that the decision was arrived at following a late-night meeting with Senators allied to the Azimio La Umoja coalition, which was later confirmed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio flagbearer, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, September 7, a day before the elections of the seat.

The meeting with Senators was held at his Karen Command Centre and Kalonzo explained that Uhuru and Raila supported his withdrawal after Azimio discovered that the race would be interfered with through malpractices.

Kalonzo Musyoka picks up nomination papers for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly. /TWITTER

"The decision was not impromptu. I was well guided by my party and the Azimio top leadership after we realised the process had been marred with bribery.

"We decided that we needed to keep it clean and in that case, step out of the race," he stated in an interview with the Standard.

Kalonzo dismissed that he decided upon himself to exit the race for fear of being trounced by former Kilifi Governor, Amason Kingi, who was vying under Kenya Kwanza led by President-elect William Ruto.

On the matter of dumping Azimio la Umoja to join Ruto, Kalonzo revealed that he had no plans and that he was taking a break to plan his political future.

"I have not had any consultation with Ruto and Kenya Kwanza. Those are frivolous allegations. I am taking a strategic retreat so that I can plan my political future which is still bright," he said.

The clerk, Jeremiah Nyegenye, announced on Thursday, September 8 that Kalonzo pulled out of the race, which sparked protests amongst the senators led by Narok Senator, Ledama ole Kina.

"Pursuant to Standing Order No. 8, a candidate may by written notice to the clerk, withdraw his or her candidature before a ballot has started.

"In this regard, I want to draw to the attention of the senate and hon senators that this morning  Hon Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, by a letter reference WDM/SEM/GC 2022, his excellency withdrew his candidature of the speaker of the senate will not appear on the ballot paper," Nyegenye announced.

Olekina revealed to the media that various matters were pending before the senators could carry out a proper process.

He also raised issues with the United Democratic Movement (UDM) senators sitting on the same side as those elected under Kenya Kwanza affiliate parties. UDM, under Mandera senator, Ali Roba, was poached by Kenya Kwanza.

Kingi nonetheless was elected speaker and will be deputized by Meru senator Kathuri Murungi on a day Kenya Kwanza toppled Azimio in both the National Assembly and Senate's top positions.

Former Kilifi Governor Amason Jeffah Kingi. /STANDARD DIGITAL

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