Raila Snubbed Other NASA Principals to Attend the Swearing-in Alone, Kalonzo's Wiper Party Says

Wiper party has accused Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of taking over the swearing-in of opposition leader Raila Odinga without briefing the rest of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) partners.

In an interview with Musyi FM on Thursday morning, Wiper party Chairman Governor Kivutha Kibwana indicated that the four Nasa principals; Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula and Odinga, had agreed to meet on Tuesday morning before proceeding to the swearing-in venue.

However, on the material day, Kibwana said that Raila failed to show up at the venue of the meeting and instead proceeded to the ‘oath’ taking ceremony alone.

“Kalonzo and Raila were to meet that morning. But when Kalonzo got to the venue, only Wetang’ula and Mudavadi were there,” the Makueni governor said.

He further alleged that ODM MPs and leaders organized the oathing ceremony without briefing the rest of Nasa affiliate parties, Wiper, Ford Kenya and Amani National Congress (ANC).

“ODM has not been fair. Even our representatives in the plans were kept in the dark most of the time. We are part of the NASA coalition but most of the time we were not briefed on meetings and progress.”

Kibwana owned up that there were differences within the coalition, but assured that the Wiper will remain in Nasa.

“Yes, there are issues that need to be looked into but I want to assume that the Kamba nation and NASA are intact. All we ask for is respect from our other partner (ODM),” he added.

He also cautioned ODM leaders against vilifying Kalonzo for not attending the swearing-in ceremony. A section of ODM officials have expressed anger on the three principals who missed the inauguration, accusing them of betrayal.