Wiper Party leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed he will not attend the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) 20th anniversary celebrations scheduled for next month in Mombasa.
Speaking at the Wiper secretariat in Karen on Wednesday while issuing nomination certificates to candidates for the upcoming November 27 by-elections, Kalonzo confirmed that although he had received a warm invitation from ODM leader Raila Odinga, he had prior commitments.
“I have been invited through a beautiful letter addressed to me as a founder member, where Raila calls me ‘my brother.’ Unfortunately, I am going to reply and say Wiper will be having its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on the same day. I will not be there, and I wish them well,” Kalonzo stated.
The Wiper leader further hinted that his absence was also influenced by the presence of President William Ruto at the event. “I gather William Ruto will be there as well. I will therefore not be there,” he said.
Kalonzo, who has long been an ally of Raila in opposition politics, struck a conciliatory tone when asked about their future cooperation. He emphasized that nothing was impossible, despite the fallout after Raila’s decision to work with Ruto.
“If Raila finds that things are bad on the other side, he is one of us. I respect him. I have spent a sizeable chunk of my life supporting and standing with him,” he remarked.
However, Kalonzo dismissed claims that Ruto’s emissaries had approached him, describing such reports as baseless. “Stop that nonsense. They have a right to dream. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. These are idle talks of beggars,” he said.
Kalonzo concluded by saying that while political realignments are always possible, for now, Wiper remains focused on strengthening its structures and preparing for the future.
