Kalonzo: Raila Swearing-in Was Illegal

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka now says the January 30th oath taken by opposition leader Raila Odinga was illegal.

Speaking at Stonni Athi Resort in Machakos after closing a Wiper women leaders league conference on Tuesday, Kalonzo noted that National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders knew the swearing in was illegal from the onset and had anticipated the arrest of Odinga.

Musyoka further said that prior to Raila's swearing in ceremony, Nasa principals agreed to have the ODM leader ‘sworn in’ alone so that in case he is arrested, they would come to his defense.

“Before the Machakos County Assembly forum, we met with Raila at Panafric Hotel and he told us ‘once I take the oath I know they’ll arrest me and you guys should come and get me out.’ But the government could not arrest Raila because they know it could cause a political crisis,” he said.

“Raila knew that it (swearing-in) is against the constitution, that is the truth of the matter… We agreed that if we are oathed, which is against the Constitution, we will accept the consequences,” said Kalonzo.

On his swearing in as people's deputy president, Kalonzo said: “Don’t be misled by being told that Kalonzo is a coward. I am strong enough to make a decision that will benefit all our supporters."

He also rubbished claims that he will take oath on February 28th as reported by the Star Newspaper.

“I’ve seen the headline in the Star (newspaper) that I will be sworn on 28th… That’s news to me, this time we are very careful about the dates we give so that we are clear on which way we are going. In good and due time, we will bring to the notice of our people on the date,” said Kalonzo.