Kalonzo: How I Helped President Uhuru Become Deputy Prime Minister

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has disclosed the role he played in the appointment of President Kenyatta as deputy prime minister in the grand coalition government.

Speaking on Thursday, Musyoka said he convinced retired president Mwai Kibaki to appoint Kenyatta to the position following the formation of the government of national unity in 2008.

“I will tell you some truth which I’m saying for the first time publicly. It was me who convinced Mzee Kibaki to appoint President Uhuru the Deputy Prime Minister,” Kalonzo said.

He explained that Kibaki was reluctant to appoint another member of the Kikuyu community to a high office due to the political tensions at the time.

“Because Mzee Kibaki was a nationalist, he told me Vice President, you want me to appoint another Kikuyu?” Kalonzo recalled. 

“Because you remember the Kofi Anna Talks when Raila appointed Mudavadi…and then I was in PNU alliance with Kibaki. I told him, yes! And Uhuru became the deputy prime minister and the minister for trade, and eventually, the Minister for Finance,” Kalonzo added. 

Musyoka, who is eyeing the presidency in 2022, lightly claimed that through his input, Uhuru was able to build the muscle to run for president in 2013.

“I think he owes me one, just a light touch,” Kalonzo said.

He spoke at Safari Park Hotel, where One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals met with a section of leaders from Central Kenya under the Mt Kenya Foundation umbrella. OKA principals include Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of ANC, Gideon Moi of Kanu, and Ford-Kenya’s Moses Wetang’ula.