‘When a leader becomes an errand boy, what becomes of the followers who have elevated him to the negotiation table?’
These were the words of former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama on Saturday, following Kalonzo’s public declaration that he was ready to run errands for President Uhuru Kenyatta.
With the former vice president’s announcement, in a speech read during the burial of his father, Mzee Peter Musyoka, at Tseikuru in Kitui County on Friday, he befuddled friend and foe alike.
In the runner up to last year’s general elections, Kalonzo was quoted complaining of having no position in government. Perhaps that is the reason he so badly wants to work with Jubilee.
But at what cost? According to details, he is now in Juba, to take up South Sudanese peace monitoring role. But does that also mean he should kiss his presidential ambitions goodbye?
Party chairman Kivutha Kibwana faulted the party leader’s declaration, saying it was not well thought out and questioned Mr Musyoka’s commitment to his espoused bid for State House.
This is umpteenth time that Prof Kibwana is lashing out at Mr Musyoka, whom he has marketed several times as a suitable presidential candidate. The day before, Prof Kibwana had called on President Kenyatta to elevate Mr Musyoka to the status of his deputy William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, arguing that the March 9 handshake was meant to benefit all Kenyans-and not individuals.
That Mr Musyoka is banking on President Kenyatta’s blessings to buttress his State House bid has not been in question. But Mr Musyoka should put his house in order first, according to the governor who has on several occasions called on Mr Musyoka to reign on disrespectful Wiper politicians lest they undermine his quest for succeeding President Kenyatta, “because such leaders will frustrate ongoing efforts to unite the Kamba community”.