Kalonzo angling to take up mantle of opposition leader

By Moses Muli

Published: August 26,2024 11:34 AM

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who is increasingly stepping out to take up the mantle of opposition leader has announced plans by the Azimio coalition to traverse the country to rally Kenyans against what they describe as dictatorial governance.

Kalonzo affirmed that the coalition is still the official opposition declaring that Azimio will not be compromised or undermined.

He also urged the church to remain steadfast at calling out the wrongs in government.

He described the broad-based government as unconstitutional, saying it undermines the principles of multi-party democracy.

Kalonzo made the remarks yesterday as he led other leaders, including Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu in affirming their stand as the opposition and will discharge the role without fear.

He said they have the experience and determination and will not allow the country to drift back to dictatorial leadership.

“We will not allow the government to rubbish the Constitution. Kenyans should not be worried, we have the experience, determination and inspiration to lead.

‘‘We will not allow this country to go back to dictatorship,” said Kalonzo.

He added: “We are ready to deliver. As the team continues to grow, we will go everywhere in this country.

Kalonzo termed the Ruto administration a failure and Azimio has every reason to tell the truth, and to get the country back on the right track.

He also lashed out at Ruto for making the education system a preserve of the rich.

The Wiper leader described the university funding model as impractical, unfair and not workable, stating that even university administrators were neither consulted nor piloting done to determine whether the model can be implemented.

“We will not allow Ruto’s government to make university education out of reach for many. I was the education minister so I understand what we are talking about. Education is in crisis and we are giving notice to this administration that we will mobilize Kenyans to say no. If we are going to make university education only for the rich and not the poor, the poor will rise and claim their position,” Kalonzo said.

The leaders, who were speaking after the Sunday service in PEFA church in Githurai, said the government should come out clean on the actual number of deaths reported in June during the Gen Z protests.

Wamalwa said it is time to stand up and say no to the government over its oppressive rule.

“Some of our colleagues in opposition are now in government. We are having a compromised opposition,’’ Wamalwa said.

Kioni said the church has a huge responsibility to ensure that Ruto’s leadership does not continue as it is and should rise to the occasion to avoid being compromised.