Kalonzo's Risky Gamble as Banking on Raila's Endorsement Could Backfire

Kalonzo Musyoka played host to former President Uhuru Kenyatta during a recent gathering in Mwingi.

It came as no surprise to any observer of Kenyan politics that there was a palpable tension brewing between Uhuru and Ruto. Uhuru is widely blamed by the current administration for a host of problems, among them the high cost of living, a struggling economy, increasing debt, and soaring unemployment. During a recent gathering among the pro-Azimio crowd in Mwingi, the former President made an unfortunate statement at an inopportune time, casting aspersions on Ruto.

"I've grown accustomed to assuming fault for everything these days", the former president quipped. "Whenever someone else falters on their responsibilities, they point fingers back at my previous government. If a man's wife can't conceive, why do they lay blame on Uhuru."

This was in response to Ruto attributing Kenya's current economic struggles to the Uhuru regime which sparked a rejoinder from Kalonzo Musyoka and his allies during a political event in Mwingi. However, beyond the surface of this event, there was a hidden motive to support the Azimio presidential candidacy in 2027. Rumours suggest that Kalonzo is actively working to secure this position. Although Uhuru may not have openly confronted Ruto and the current regime, it is probable that he harbours dissatisfaction with the accusations levelled against him, particularly concerning the rising cost of living.

It is not in Uhuru's best interest to be at odds with Ruto and the ruling regime. During his recent visit to Mwingi, he stressed the importance of unity among Kenyans, reaffirming his strong commitment to Azimio. In his own words, he declared, "I am not someone who flip-flops like a con artist." This statement appears to contradict Uhuru's political journey, which has seen him transition from Kanu to TNA, then Jubilee, and now Azimio. While this may have been a mere political tactic to energize the crowd, it is worth noting that just a few months ago in Karen, Uhuru appeared resolute in rallying support amidst allegations of a government assault on his family.

The visit to Mwingi was likely initiated by Kalonzo's camp to strengthen Kalonzo's positioning for 2027. This move did not go unnoticed by former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama, who believes that only Raila has the potential to give Ruto a real challenge in 2027. Despite his current involvement with the United Democratic Alliance, Muthama spoke highly of Raila's leadership abilities. Meanwhile, it appears that Kalonzo is repeating the error of relying on Raila's endorsement, even though it is uncertain whether he can succeed without it.

Despite the lack of significant impact on his support base in the 2022 elections, which actually expanded, Azimio is presently asserting similar allegations concerning the Government-to-government oil agreement and various other matters. Comparable assertions were made during the previous regime from 2013 to 2017.