Kalonzo Musyoka (right) with Johnson Muthama (left) at a past function. [Photo/The-star.co.ke]
The supremacy battle between Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama has taken an ugly turn, with the former now saying Raila Odinga will have to choose between him and the senator.
The recent public outbursts by the two Ukambani leaders have been linked to the influence Senator Muthama has in the Nasa coalition.
Kalonzo, the Nasa vice president candidate, is also said to be worried that he is losing Ukambani region influence.
The former vice president is facing a stiff challenge from Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua’s Maendeleo Chap Chap and Wiper rebels – Kitui Senator David Musila and Muthama.
Musila resigned as the Wiper chairman after losing in the nominations. He blamed Kalonzo for his defeat.
Muthama also accused the Wiper leader of influencing the primaries. He ditched Wiper and said he will not defend his senate seat. The outspoken senator also said he will not campaign for Wiper, but will support Raila’s bid for presidency.
Kalonzo’s main fear is the suspicion that Muthama supported Raila in the Nasa negotiations to pick a flag bearer.
“There will come a time when I will ask Raila to choose whether to work with Muthama or Kalonzo,” said Kalonzo after attending a church service in Mlolongo on Sunday.
Kalonzo's remarks came just a day after he seemingly reconciled with Muthama during the burial ceremony of Musila's mother in Kitui County.
Reports say that Kalozo fears that if Nasa clinches power after the August general election, he will be a lame duck vice president, with Muthama having a bigger say in government than him.
Kalonzo was keen to clinch the Nasa presidential ticket, and was pushed by Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze, who even threatened to walk out of the opposition coalition should the 2013 MoU between Raila and Kalonzo be dishonoured.