Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has disclosed why he supported ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid in 2022 general elections.
Speaking during an interview with Spice FM on Wednesday January 17, Kalonzo noted that he supported Raila’s presidential bid for a third time in 2022 because of the influence of Uhuru Kenyatta, who was president at that time.
Kalonzo explained that it was a transition election where the incumbent president by then, Uhuru Kenyatta was supporting Raila’s bid and therefore they had a strong team.
“Here was a president who was leaving office and he felt he wanted to have a certain legacy. Uhuru Kenyattta in his constitutional right chose to support Raila Odinga, therefore you can imagine with that push,” said Kalonzo.
According to Kalonzo, the Azimio La Umoja one Kenya coalition was stronger than the Kenya Kenya team that comprised William Ruto who was deputy president, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and others.
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“We were a very strong coalition, in fact we won several by-elections as One Kenya. If Kenyans can remember the senatorial contest in Machakos, two other by-elections in Western Kenya as one kenya alliance,” he added.
The Wiper leader explained that he does not regret supporting Raila in 2022 but he is now focussing on the 2027 presidential elections.
At the same time, Kalonzo disclosed that it is wrong for Chief Justice Martha Koome to hold a meeting with president William Ruto over the conduct of Judges in the country.
According to him, a meeting between the Chief Justice and the president would undermine the independence of the judiciary.
“Why make an announcement that they are meeting, to discuss what? Are they meeting to discuss issues to do with governance within the judiciary?
READ ALSO: Kalonzo joins Raila, LSK and JSC in criticizing Ruto for attacking Judiciary
“The president should restrain himself to deal with governance within the executive, therefore an announcement that they are going to meet to iron out differences, for me is unfortunate.
“It not only undermines the independence of the judiciary, but it raises serious suspicions,” he added.
The Wiper leader also criticized deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for seeking the removal of a High Court Judge who issued a court ruling against him.
READ ALSO: Kalonzo is too broke to run for presidency in 2027, says Kitui East MP
This was after Gachagua promised to present a petition to the Chief Justice on Thursday January 18, seeking the removal of the High Court Judge.
Kalonzo said it was wrong for the deputy president to even mention the name of the judge.
“That goes against the known laws of practice and decency. And I call it absurdity, if indeed Mr Gachagua is going to walk to the office of the Chief Justice carrying the petition,” he said.
According to Kalonzo, there are legal frameworks through which any citizen or leader can file a petition to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) or appeal the ruling at a higher court if he was not satisfied with a court ruling.
