Muthama Reveals Why Kalonzo Wasn't Named NASA Flag Bearer

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has finally revealed the intrigues that led to the naming of Raila Odinga as the National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer, edging out his party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka.

Muthama’s revelations come just weeks after fallout with his former close ally and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka over recent party primaries, where Muthama accused Musyoka of meddling and handpicking his preferred candidates.

Speaking at Kakuyuni in Machakos County, the Machakos senator dismissed claims that he was vouching for ODM leader Raila Odinga’s candidature, and not Kalonzo’s.

“My opponents have been spreading falsehoods that I opposed my party leader to be named flag bearer. I want to tell you today in broad daylight that I together with Hon. Maalim and Hon. Nyenze backed Kalonzo but most of our colleagues in the committee proposed Hon. Raila,” he stated.

Kalonzo’s Wiper Party was being represented by Farah Maalim, Francis Nyenze as well as Senator Johnstone Muthama, in the NASA technical committee that was mandated in selecting a suitable presidential candidate for the opposition coalition.

Muthama, who co-chaired the committee alongside Siaya Senator James Orengo, has been fighting claims of betraying the Kamba community by undermining Kalonzo bid to be NASA’s presidential candidate.

Kalonzo had earlier accused Muthama of pushing to have Raila named the Presidential candidate for the coalition adding that he had the final say.

“I carry the final word because I hold the vision of the party and if Muthama continues to undermine my effort to become the presidential candidate, the people of Ukambani will rip off his trouser, like was the case in Parliament," Kalonzo said.

Raila has since been named the NASA presidential candidate while Musyoka was presented as his running mate in the August 8 elections.