National Super Alliance (Nasa) co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka. [Photo| Courtesy]
National Super Alliance (Nasa) co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka now says withdrawal of his security detail by the government was the reason why he did not show up for the controversial swearing-in, on Tuesday.
NASA leader Raila Odinga, took oath of office and declared himself People’s President in a ceremony held at the historic Uhuru Park grounds, in Kalonzo's absence.
The inauguration saw Odinga read the oath presided over by High Court Advocate (Ruaraka MP) Tom Kajwang, and in the presence of Senior counsel (Siaya senator) James Orengo, and lawyer Miguna Miguna, a former Nairobi gubernatorial candidate.
NASA co-principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula were also missing.Odinga explained their absence to thousands of supporters saying Kalonzo would be sworn-in later.
In an audio recording circulated through WhatsApp, Kalonzo said hi, Wetangula and Mudavadi were blocked from attending after withdrawal of their security hours to the swearing-in.
"When we met last night, Hon Raila saw it fit that he does not spend the night at his home. I decided to spend the night at my home and that was the arrangement we reached. I was left alone. I stayed (at home) until about 11am, and that is the time journalists came to my home," said Kalonzo in the audio obtained by the Daily Nation.
"We had spoken on phone with Hon Raila, Wetang’ula and Mudavadi to plan our journey to Uhuru Park. We did not get there. We found ourselves, Wetang’ula, Mudavadi and I, because we did not have bodyguards, unable to leave the room. That is what happened," he added, but failed to disclose the location where they were.
Kalonzo, Mudavadi and Wetangula sent a statement to the press shortly after missing the inauguration, saying they failed to show up "due to circumstances beyond our comprehension and control.”
He further urged persons spreading false information about the trio's absence from the swearing-in not to do so.
“For now, I urge those spreading information on the networks not to do anything that would bring disharmony in Nasa. We, the four principals, remain strong and united,” the WDM-K leader added.