KALONZO READY O JOIN UHURU

By NATION Team
March 15 2009

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has announced an alliance with Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Internal Security minister George Saitoti.

With the alliance, Mr Musyoka joins the scramble for the Central Kenya vote, which Agriculture minister William Ruto is also eyeing.

Speaking at an ODM-K weekend cocktail in Nairobi, the VP said “it is time to work with like-minded people. The game is just beginning.”

But Mr Musyoka seemed to burn bridges with Water minister Charity Ngilu when he rebuffed her remarks that she was “ready to work with reformers and not just continue supporting the status quo.”

Ms Ngilu’s remarks were in apparent reference to the VP’s support for President Kibaki after the 2007 election.

“Some people shout from the rooftops about supporting reformists. What happens if the reformists became corrupt?” the VP retorted.

But speaking to the Nation on Sunday, Ms Ngilu said Mr Musyoka was “from the old school.”

“Let’s give Raila, who has shown reformist tendencies a chance,” she said. “What does Kalonzo know about Ukambani development? In fact, he is part of the problem in the coalition government,” she lashed out.

The accusations and counter-accusations are a culmination of a simmering turf war over political leadership in Mr Musyoka’s and Mrs Ngilu’s backyard, Eastern Province.

As the arguments raged, ODM secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o said Mr Odinga would be the party’s presidential candidate in 2012.

The announcement came as ODM MPs in Rift Valley declared they will not back Mr Odinga.

Elsewhere, Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey and his Roads counterpart Franklin Bett criticised those agitating for a political alliance between Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto while Kenyans were going hungry.

Mr Kosgey said an alliance was not viable as there are four more years to address issues affecting Kenyans.

Mr Bett said: “If an alliance is to be formed, it should be through a consultative process that will not injure peace building and reconciliation.”

The two spoke as Nominated MP Musa Sirma and Garsen MP Danson Mungatana criticised the proposed Uhuru-Ruto alliance.

Mr Sirma said Mr Kenyatta was being reinvented as another political project by President Kibaki and retired president Daniel Moi.

Meanwhile, Kanu will field its own candidate in the 2012 elections. Party vice-chairman Gideon Moi and secretary-general Nick Salat said if the party had fielded a candidate in 2007, the bickering in the grand coalition would not be so loud.
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COMMENTS

Submitted by physics
Posted March 17, 2009 08:39 AM

Kalonzo is political history. He thought he could be backed by Mt. Kenya. We only support "one of our own" and you don't fall in this category. You have been used, used and dumped. Swallow the bitter pill and form an alliance with the Devil.....for all we care. Give us some breathing space, you were entirely to blame for the post-election skirmishes. History will judge you harshly.

Submitted by iceark
Posted March 16, 2009 09:56 PM

We will field the leaders we want and pull out the floor from under this guy's feet.

Submitted by Kojwangowi
Posted March 16, 2009 09:49 PM

I think the media needs to take a stand and stamp out these absurdities by giving them a black out. Why should we be subjected to a near permanent election mood by these power-hungry politicians who keep re-packaging themselves at every opportunity. its a simple case of yesterdays villains becoming todays heroes and so called reformers. What rot! Over to you tribalistic, blind-by-choice, selectively moral voters.

Submitted by Samur
Posted March 16, 2009 07:20 PM

Fight Corruption,reconcile and resettle IDps,feed the hungry ,create jobs instead of forming alliances.2012 is too far,many changes will take place.Some youth who are 15 years will be voters.That time Kenyans will vote wisely,IAM SURE.

Submitted by Ombui
Posted March 16, 2009 06:55 PM

Most of our leaders, think that politics is a hobby. They have even forgoten that there are people who are still IDPs. I real sympathize with our politicians. They behave like ants who have found flesh on their way and have crowded struggling to have a bite. The ants dont even know whether this flesh is poisonous. Ben Nairobi

Submitted by petert
Posted March 16, 2009 06:17 PM

Hey can you stop these stupid reports on alliances that wont add the number of sufurias of ugali to starving Kemyans?????? We have 4 years to go...

Submitted by Moware
Posted March 16, 2009 05:26 PM

I give mad respect to VP Kalonzo, lakini this is just wrong. Why are they talking about the next elections and yet there are so many problems in Kenya currently. Seriously do your work and help solve the issues Kenya is currently facing then when elections are close they can get to all this elections stuff

Submitted by jvoi
Posted March 16, 2009 04:59 PM

Whether George Kinuthia Saitoti vies for presidency with Uhuru Kenyatta on his side or vice versa No of votes in CP will remain the same. With Kalonzo as their flag bearer Karua will prevail in CP because CP ONLY vote for one of their own. But Mama Rainbow can bag in EP, Nairobi, WP, Coast, Nyanza, RV and NE. Ruto cannot sell Uhuru in RV. Moi tried with “project” and Kibaki and failed. Is Kinuthia’s rigging case over-jvoi

Submitted by Rigger
Posted March 16, 2009 03:09 PM

Am reminded of what Bill [who shook the Speare] said in Venus and Adonis [V]: Fair is my love, but not so fair as fickle; mild as a dove, but neither true nor trusty; brighter than glass, and yet, as glass is, brittle; softer than wax, and yet, as iron, rusty. … Her lips to mine how often hath she join'd; between each kiss her oaths of true love swearing…. She burn'd with love, as straw with fire flameth; she burn'd out love, as soon as straw outburneth!

Submitted by paredi
Posted March 16, 2009 01:33 PM

Too early,and that fire will burn off,before 2012

Submitted by hezico2005
Posted March 16, 2009 12:18 PM

Poverty eradication and development massures are not met by formation of alliances neither by word of mouth its by action.Actions speak more than words.Let us see positive deeds from you as this will give hope to Kenyans even to decide whom to elect 2012.Its actually very early to start campaigning.Think about Kenyans welfare and everything else will come out automatically.

Submitted by wanjohij
Posted March 16, 2009 11:45 AM

A chick that will grow into a cock can be spotted the very day it hatches and always remember two birds disputed about a kernel, then a third swooped down and carried it off.

Submitted by aphrax
Posted March 16, 2009 11:45 AM

Its all bogus,go on join and vote for yourselves coz I'm not going to be taken for a ride anymore....what good do you have this time..its just the normal game anyway

Submitted by vshirao
Posted March 16, 2009 10:59 AM

I agree with you 'jangondhe' - would you imagine the VP is a born again hypocrite! What I disagree with you is you're refering to these people as 'leaders'. The best word in my vocabulary is 'The hyenas on top of Kenya's food chain'.

Submitted by chahoka
Posted March 16, 2009 10:51 AM

By the way Kalonzo if you join hands with uhuru and Saitoti you guys have it this bloody ODM hooligans can go to hell and stick to the cold forever-they are just a bunch of idiots who have no vision or good intention for this country dont even bother about Rift Valley votes you have enough

Submitted by kowochi
Posted March 16, 2009 10:43 AM

Mr. Nation Team where did you get this notion that "The announcement came as ODM MPs in Rift Valley declared they will not back Mr Odinga." ? Clearly the political horizon for Rift valley ODM lies in Raila's leadership. Ruto's escapedes will come to naught: and be clear about this that there will be no division amongst RV ODM come 2012. Yes in the medium term there can be alliances and so on to test the waters, but its gonna crystallize into a singular opinion

Submitted by wuod_aketch
Posted March 16, 2009 10:36 AM

2012-2009 = 3 years of campaign ahead. 2005-2007 were other years of campaign. Kenyan politicians are constantly campaigning and neglecting the mandate that Kenyans have accorded them. A code of good conduct should be set. No government minister should talk of 2012. These goons are using taxpayers' money to develop their own agenda. I refuse.

Submitted by njerirose24
Posted March 16, 2009 09:53 AM

What I wonder is whether Kalonzo can be an asset to Kenyans. After referendum, he came up with promises. After 2007 elections, Kalonzo was the first to imagine of 2012even before we settle Kenya back to peace, get constitution, etc. I suggest to Uhuru to keep him away for seriousness sake.

Submitted by gumo
Posted March 16, 2009 08:58 AM

So its Kalonzo joining Uhuru? I thought , as VP, Kalonzo is more senior? And whats the force behind the alliance or its just another alliance for power? Hon Kalonzo, take some time and seek views of Kenyans. The change agenda you preached during the last election campaign is wht we want. Not loose alliance for power!

Submitted by njengah
Posted March 16, 2009 08:46 AM

This is not news. Kalonzo has always been a PNU mole all along. He reminds me of one Emilio who was Moi's mole during the fight for multiparty politics in the 1990s. We keeps moving backwards in Kenya politically. I can't help but wonder what might have been had Kibaki stepped down for Matiba in 1992. He cost us that victory, has sold our nation to the highest bidders, and helped kill the constitution and more than 1500 Kenyans.

Submitted by rofi
Posted March 16, 2009 08:41 AM

Kalonzo is ready to join anyone. That is because on his own, he is just a pretty face who thinks that he is God's gift to Kenyans. What a bore!

Submitted by Samur
Posted March 16, 2009 05:51 AM

Kalonzo don't join a Sinking boat.Its too early to form alliances.Remember 1 year before 2007,you led in opinion polls ,what happened at the end.U were pushed to number 3 and finished miserably.Learn from the past,which I expect a Lawyer like you to do.

Submitted by wawerugithiri
Posted March 16, 2009 04:37 AM

Full time politics, corruption, tribalism, and nepotism amid extreme poverty.

Submitted by nyamukabuen
Posted March 16, 2009 03:59 AM

Mr Kalonzo from the word GO rides on other pple's fortunes and political might...from mulu mutisya who created him.Kalonzo UR nothing but a political prostitute.... well,like most Kenyan politicians and their siaza za tumbo...ONLY GOD knows when he will provide us with a real LEADER...

Submitted by rodneyghee
Posted March 16, 2009 03:30 AM

Isn't Kalonzo's wife still receiving the allowance of hundreds of thaos then he's talking about being a reformist.This guy will go down in history as a Judas,in the Kamusi under the word Msaliti his picture we'll be there.And to think if he stood his ground we wouldn't be in this situation.

Submitted by princemikeosiro
Posted March 16, 2009 02:13 AM

Mr Musyioka, you are headed in for another shock, Kenyans lost faith in you when you gave a nod to a second Kibaki led government to be come the VP in other words, You did approve of the rigged 2007 and accepted to continue seeing Kenyans die...to date we do not know what your role is in the current Government other than being a VP by name. If you expect a better deal in an Uhuru led govt, then you are in for a rude shock because Uhuru will never live to see the presidency.

Submitted by wanmt
Posted March 16, 2009 02:10 AM

'United we stand, divided we fall' so goes the well-known maxim. Kenya is one nation with diverse cultures and tribes with each tribe boasting of its own distinct culture. We need to take advantage of our diversities for a unified, strong nation. Tribal alliances are a sure way to a repeat, even on a higher scale, last year's chaos. Kenya has to move forward as one nation Hon Kalonzo, don't divide it.

Submitted by 14middlehof
Posted March 16, 2009 01:57 AM

PLEASE Kenyas lets not vote for these people because they have no vision for Kenya...just ask yourself one simple question for how long were Kalonzo and Saitoti in goverment?Since I was drinking maziwa ya nyayo in school, and what did they do for their own communities? The answer is simply nothing...today they want to join together and form an alliane to rob us, and these are the same people who refuse to pay tax...Please Kenyans open your eyes or stay in poverty forever.ameeeen

Submitted by SJ502
Posted March 16, 2009 12:49 AM

The project may be gaining a life of its own...hike the price Uhuru!

Submitted by petert
Posted March 16, 2009 12:34 AM

Like-minded people for Kalonzo will keep him at number 2 slot for political eternity. Should have learned a lesson that some body is being groomed for the top seat and he is not one of them. Remember some provinces dont vote anybody else except their own. Grow up and rejoin ODM or die in irrelevance.

Submitted by Karoyo
Posted March 16, 2009 12:30 AM

Uhuru-Ruto alliance! that reminds me of JK-Moi! And Musyoka takes Kamotho's place! looks like a dejavu' to me!

Submitted by NewGeneration
Posted March 16, 2009 12:17 AM

Ruto eyeing Kikuyu vote. Is he Kenya's biggest ninkompope...or is murdering people a new way of campaigning for their vote. Bwana Ruto...dead people don't cast ballots

Submitted by missintellectual
Posted March 16, 2009 12:14 AM

To hell with these tired, corrupt recycled leaders! We want change!

Submitted by MFIM2009
Posted March 15, 2009 11:59 PM

Kalonzo upende usipende I will vote for you. In fact am changing my constituency for mwingi. God blessings.

Submitted by kenmare69
Posted March 15, 2009 11:52 PM

Kalaonzo must be a man of great faith if he still believes a majority of Kenyans expect him to deliver his miracles. I would first ask the luminous Sarah from Wasilla, Alaska what it feels like to be clothed in an oversize garment while being fronted as the new face of change, used as a scrubber, and then abandoned like a burning shack. What upsets me about this man is the sheer hypocrisy he wears on his born-again-ness, more like a cheap perfume on a sweaty body. Go away Kalonzo, you are a worm.

Submitted by jangondhe
Posted March 15, 2009 11:25 PM

I agree with the VP, the game is just beginning. Every decision in goverment circles will now on be done with the alliance in mind. The alliance is nothing more than a scheme for leaders with no agenda for Kenya like the VP to maintain status quo. So what if the VP joins the Uhuru, at best he will end as a VP? What greed that one year after wasted elected leaders like the VP can start schemeing for 2012.