Kalonzo: Why I Skipped the Swearing-in Ceremony

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has explained the circumstances that led to him skipping his own swearing in as deputy people's president.

Speaking at his home in Karen, Nairobi on Tuesday night, Musyoka claimed that security details assigned to National Super Alliance (Nasa) principals were withdrawn hours to the swearing-in ceremony at Uhuru Park.

However, Kalonzo said the principals had agreed to converge at one point and proceed to swearing-in venue even without their bodyguards, but they were held hostage at a room in the city.

“I had a phone conversation with Raila Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula and we agreed that we meet and then arrange how we will go to Uhuru Park since we did not have our bodyguards. We however did not do that so after myself, Wetang'ula and Mudavadi found ourselves locked in one room,” he said.

He continued: “That is what happened but as my brother Raila said, I am ready at an appropriate time to go and take the oath so that everyone may see that we did not get cold feet.”

“Many saw on the television stations how the officers who guard this place were recalled very early in the morning. Each of them was told that if they are seen there, they will be fired so I was left all alone,” he stated.

Musyoka called on his supporters not to lose faith in him, stating that he remains committed to Nasa's course.

“In short, I am ready to take oath at the right time. I would want Kenyans to know that we are people whose resolve is not easily shaken. I urge Kenyan online publishers to refrain from uploading content that risks disintegrating Nasa. We, as Nasa principals, are a close-knit family,” said the Wiper Party leader.

Raila Odinga arrived at Uhuru Park alone and took the controversial oath in front of thousands of supporters, who arrived at the venue as early as 6am.