Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s refusal to take up the opposition leader's mantle has shocked his allies.
On Sunday, the former Vice President said he cannot take up the role since ODM party leader Raila Odinga remains the holder of opposition seat.
Kalonzo argued the fact that Raila agreed to work with President Uhuru Kenyatta on unity and reconciliation does not mean that he is not the opposition leader.
A section of Wiper politicians had pressured the former Vice president to denounce his relationship with Raila and take up the position.
However, according to political analyst Peter Ngure, Kalonzo’s refusal was in order.
Ngure said the former Prime Minister has not publicly denounced the opposition mantle and that he is constitutionally recognized as the opposition chief.
“Unless Raila comes out to say that he no longer wishes to serve as the opposition leader, then no one else can assume or claim to take up the position,” Ngure said.
The analyst added that Kalonzo is playing his politics well even as he eyes the 2022 presidential seat.
“Kalonzo Musyoka is a clever politician and he still believes that Raila will endorse his 2022 bid,” he added.
On March 9, Raila and President Kenyatta surprisingly met and shook hands.
Their handshake that has since graduated to a hug elicited sharp reactions with a section of politicians allied to NASA co-principals Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo accusing the former prime minister of betraying them.
The two leaders and other politicians have now agreed to push for a united Kenya.