Kalonzo Visits UK After Skipping Azimio Kamukunji Rally

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka broke his silence on growing speculations that emerged after he was absent from the Azimio la Umoja Kamukunji rally held on Tuesday, June 27.

The former Vice President revealed on Thursday, June 29 that he had travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) on official duties.

In a statement, Kalonzo revealed that he met officials from the Anglican Church in London led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka together with Bishop Precious Okomu and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in London on June 29, 2023. /KALONZO MUSYOKA

He went on to quote Mathew 5:9, a bible verse addressing a beatitude on peacemakers while addressing his personal stance on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which formed the basis of the meeting with the officials.

"Today as I joined His Grace Justin Portal Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Primate of England and The Head Primus Inter Pares of the worldwide Anglican Communion at Lambeth Palace, in London, United Kingdom, I was especially reminded of the Beatitudes; "Mathew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

"We spent time discussing a number of matters of international importance particularly on African affairs including the South Sudan conflict together with The Archbishop of Canterbury's Special Representative on the conflict in the Sub-sahara Africa, Bishop Precious Okomu and The Very Reverend Canon Dr Sammy Wainaina, Provost of All Saints’ Cathedral, Nairobi, Kenya and the Advisor for Anglican Communion Affairs for the His Grace Arch. Justin Welby," he stated in part.

Kalonzo also echoed the officials' collective prayer for everlasting peace to prevail in the region.

Accompanying him was his son, Kennedy Musyoka, who is also an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) lawmaker.

The Wiper leader however did not reveal the exact date he left the country for the UK, neither did he disclose when he would return.

Kalonzo, who is among the key leaders of the outfit, could not be traced by Azimio supporters raising eyebrows on his whereabouts during the Kamukunji Rally.

Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, however, allayed fears of his absence being a political statement, explaining that he was missing in action on the basis of being on a foreign trip.

"I talked with my brother Kalonzo, he is in Europe and that's why he is not here with us today. He passed his greetings to you. Have you accepted them?" announced Raila.

Raila also passed greetings from former President Uhuru Kenyatta who is in Angola. 

During the rally, the former Prime Minister unveiled five measures in protest of President William Ruto’s move to sign the Finance Bill 2023 into law. This included civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes.

Azimio also announced an end to the Bi-partisan talks that were meant to end the bi-weekly protests that had been convened by Raila’s camp. 

Furthermore, Raila's camp resolved to declare a protest that will begin on Saba Saba Day, Friday, July 7, in response to the government's refusal to meet his demands over the Finance Bill.

Saba Saba Day is a significant date in Kenyan history, as it marks the day in 1990 when Kenyans took to the streets to demand multiparty democracy.