[Kalonzo Musyoka (left) in a past event with President Uhuru Kenyatta. Two dons persuaded him to back opposition leader Raila Odinga’s presidential bid. Photo/Nation]
Having played a second fiddle to opposition leader Raila Odinga in 2013, Kalonzo Musyoka, a former Vice President was under pressure to go for the top sit in August.
With pressure from his Ukambani backyard and his political lieutenants, the Wiper leader at times seemed determined to push for his presidential bid in recent months.
But last week, a deal signed by all opposition principals supported Odinga’s bid with Musyoka being contended with number two slot.
Although it wasn’t that easy, Prof. Makau Mutua is said to be among top leaders who persuaded Musyoka to drop his ambitions in favour of Odinga, a tactical move that would see Musyoka make a come back in 2022.
“It was worthy because this is the right time for Odinga to rescue Kenya and give it to Musyoka in future,” said Makau in his Twitter Account.
And Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana is also said to have played a critical role in persuading disgruntled Ukambani leaders who were desperate to have Musyoka named flag bearer.
“Option one Musyoka; option two Musyoka, option three, Musyoka,"said Wavinya Ndeti, who has since accepted the NASA deal.
Under the deal, Odinga will go for one term after which he will hand over to other principals in the coalition.