- Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau criticized Rigathi Gachagua for insulting Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential ambitions
- Gachagua had insisted that Kalonzo must bring at least four million votes from Ukambani to be considered to fly the opposition flag in the 2027 elections
- Makau rejected the condition calling it tribal and backward, emphasizing Kalonzo’s status as a national leader beyond his area
Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has criticized the former deputy president Rigathi Gachaguaaccusing him of undermining Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
Source: Twitter
Gachagua had forced Kalonzo to get at least four million votes from Ukambani if he wanted to be considered to fly the opposition flag in the 2027 presidential election.
What condition did Gachagua give to Kalonzo?
Speaking in Kathiani, Machakos County, on 10 January, Gachagua acknowledged Kalonzo’s strong leadership profile but insisted that numbers will be more important in the mission to oust the President William Ruto.
He recognized that Ukambani is still a reliable group of voters and urged residents to register in large numbers, saying their votes will be important in the opposition’s strategy.
Gachagua reiterated that although Kalonzo’s record was scandal-free, he must show electoral strength by bringing in four million votes.
He explained that the same standard will be applied to all prospective candidates, including Fred Matiang’i, Eugene MalwaGeorge Natembeya, and Martha Karua, each of whom will have to show their vote base.
He added that he was already contributing six million votes from Mount Kenya and he was counting on other leaders to add to his tally to win against Ruto.
Gachagua urged Ukambani voters to support Kalonzo, warning that without four million votes, Kalonzo’s intentions will not be taken seriously despite his leadership qualities.
How Patrick Makau Responded to Gachagua’s Demand for Kalonzo
Responding to Gachagua’s attitude, Makau blamed him for promoting tribalism and regionalism as an opposition strategy to defeat Ruto.
The MP realized that asking Kalonzo to focus on his native area to stir up tribal support is backwards and spells trouble for the Wiper leader’s intention to bind him as a regional leader.
Makau said Kalonzo’s status as a national leader should not be interfered with, referring to his time as deputy president where he served as number two.
“Kalonzo is a national leader. He was the deputy president of this country. He was working for all Kenyans. You cannot now tell him to return to his people in Ukambani as their king. You cannot reduce him to that. Kalonzo cannot be a king; he is a national leader,” he said.
How is the opposition prepared to oppose Ruto?
In other news, Gachagua has been continuing his attack on Ruto, insisting that the opposition is carefully planning to remove him from power by 2027.
He insists that the coalition will choose the most capable candidate to face Ruto.
The DCP leader, however, insists on stopping the nomination of the candidate early.
Source: Twitter
According to him, early announcements can give the president a chance to formulate a counter strategy.
He repeatedly assures opposition supporters that unity in their camp will be preserved despite differences of opinion, realizing that the major consultations leading to the election of their flag bearer will be given priority.
Apart from Gachagua and Kalonzo, the opposition has Martha Karua of the PLP, Eugene Wamalwa of the DAP-Kenya, and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i of the Jubilee Party, who have all expressed presidential ambitions.
Perhaps to unify the team, Gachagua said that those who fail to get a chance to vote will still be considered for influential roles such as parliamentary leadership and Cabinet positions if the opposition forms the next government.
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