Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka at a past event. [Photo/ zipo.co.ke]
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka disappointed many NASA supporters when he failed to show up at Uhuru Park to be sworn in as the people’s deputy president, leaving Raila Odinga in the cold.
But if history is anything to go by, this is not the first time that the former vice president has left Raila high and dry.
In 2007, Kalonzo abandoned Raila in the opposition to join former President Mwai Kibaki in forming the government, following a disputed presidential elected. Raila had claimed that his victory was stolen, leading to post-election violence. The Wiper boss had finished a distant third, and his decision to join the president left the ODM boss in a difficult position.
In 2013, Kalonzo did not want to team up with Raila to face Uhuru Kenyatta. He joined Raila to form the Cord coalition at the last minute after he was reportedly offered a raw deal by President Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.
For ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, this is the second time to abandon Raila at the last minute. He first did that in 2013, just before the elections.
The NASA principals now face a difficult time inheriting Raila's voters.