A day in politics can make all the difference. Despite what they’ve been singing for months, it is now clear that all is not well within NASA.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has all of a sudden taken what seems to be a hard line stand, saying only he can be the flag bearer.
It is no secret that NASA’s shot at the presidency will be almost as good as dead without the Ukambani vote, and though leaders and supporters have been claiming to be united, the last few days paint a very different story.
A 2013 MOU between Raila and Kalonzo, where Raila was to reciprocate Kalonzo’s support in this election, has been causing shock waves within NASA. The ODM wing believes the MOU is null and void since Raila did not win in 2013, but Wiper sees this as a betrayal.
Yesterday, National Assembly minority leader Francis Nyenze addressed the media and stated that Wiper will bolt out of NASA if Kalonzo will not be named its flag bearer.
“We are saying we are getting tired since time is running out and it looks like it is a scheme to wait until the last minute to lock out any other presidential candidate. Honourable Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has suffered a lot of humiliation under some party in the Opposition,” the legislator said.
“He has been called a watermelon, but like Jesus before Pontius Pilate he has kept quiet, he has taken the trash but now he cannot take it any longer. The Kambas have reached an edge whereby if it is not Kalonzo we will go it alone.”
Nyenze’s pronouncement follows many other hints given by Wiper leaders in recent days.
It is impossible to imagine a scenario where Raila will agree to be anyone’s running mate. Therefore, Kalonzo will likely be offered the Deputy President position, which Wiper is now seeing as unacceptable.
Therefore, Kalonzo’s departure from NASA is just a matter of time in my view. Once he goes alone, he might be able to force a run-off, and therefore bargain for the Prime Minister position with either Jubilee or NASA.
If indeed the election goes for a second round, it’s a foregone conclusion that whichever side Kalonzo backs carries the day, and hence his power to bargain for a powerful PM position will be great.
That’s my view. Do you think Kalonzo will bolt from NASA?
