Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has said Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka should be totally ignored, noting that he has more political clout compared to the self-declared opposition leader.
During a public function in Bungoma County, Barasa took a swipe at Kalonzo, adding that he belonged to the past generation of leaders.
“Nani alijua kama mimi, Didmus Wekesa Barasa, kijana tu ya mjane, nitakuja kuwa mjumbe? Saa hii ata jina yangu wakiandika kwa magazeti ya Kenya watu wananunua hayo magazeti sana kuliko kama ni jina ya Kalonzo Musyoka,” Barasa said. (Who knew that Didmus Wekesa Barasa – the son of a widow would one day become a member of parliament? Right now, my name sells more in the papers than that of Kalonzo Musyoka).
Barasa added: “Kalonzo Musyoka represents yesterday; he doesn’t represent tomorrow and the day thereafter.”
People like @skmusyoka should be totally ignored! We are the future!#DidmusBarasaGov27 pic.twitter.com/gyDfo9um6U
— Hon Didmus Barasa, MP Kimilili (@DidmusWaBarasa) August 31, 2024
The Kimilili MP who has his eyes fixed on the Bungoma County top job in 2027, has been at the forefront of castigations against Musyoka who has declared himself as the substantive leader of the opposition.
Last week, Barasa blatantly refused to honour a summons by the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) following a complaint that he had refused to give back money owed to him by a woman.
While Barasa refuted the claims saying the Ksh2 million wired to his Cooperative Bank account in Karen was a soft loan, the woman says he solicited the money as an inducement to award her a government tender.
Azimio tensions
This came after Azimio coalition party leader Raila Odinga resolved to work with President William Ruto by offering his top lieutenants for cabinet positions.
The decision by the ODM supremo ruffled feathers within the Azimio coalition, leading to the bolting out of Raila’s 2022 running mate Martha Karua.
Other coalition partners in the Azimio la Umoja umbrella that have since thrown their weight behind Musyoka are Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Democratic Action of Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
The leaders maintain that Raila lacks the objectivity to actively carry out the duties of the opposition considering his dalliance with the ruling government and his recent bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship which depends heavily on Ruto’s influence on African presidents.
