‘I was misquoted’ – Kalonzo addresses reports on recognising Ruto’s legitimacy
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka says he was misquoted by the media on his comments regarding the legitimacy of President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a statement on Sunday, September 3, the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition co-principal said only an audit of the 2022 presidential election would settle the matter with finality.
He said the issue of electoral servers was Azimio’s top priority in the ongoing bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“I have noticed that a section of the media has in the last few hours misquoted my recent statement on the state of affairs in our country; particularly on the legitimacy of the current regime.
“As Azimio we remain clear that the issues for discussion and negotiations as framed by both teams, include among others; A comprehensive audit of the 2022 presidential elections that in our view will finally settle the matter,” Kalonzo stated hours after Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, who was Raila Odinga’s running mate in the last presidential poll, dismissed reports that the coalition now recognises Ruto as president.
Kalonzo lauded the government for political goodwill in addressing the recent standoff that saw the opposition call for street demonstrations to, among others, protest against electoral injustices and the rising cost of living.
“So far, there has been political goodwill from both sides and we congratulate our teams for this. We also encourage Kenyans to participate in this important process by sending their memoranda within the given timeline as recently advertised in the dailies,” he added.
I have noticed that a section of the media has in the last few hours misquoted my recent statement on the state of affairs in our country; particularly on the legitimacy of the current regime.
— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) September 3, 2023
As AZIMIO we remain clear that the issues for discussion and negotiations as framed by…
Kalonzo had on Saturday lauded President Ruto’s commitment to the ongoing talks with the opposition adding that the coalition had started to soften its stance on his legitimacy.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of nominated Taita Taveta MCA Constance Mwandawiro in Voi, Kalonzo noted that the Head of State had shown maturity and statesmanship by supporting the national dialogue despite resistance from his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
“We congratulate the president for putting his foot down and supporting the continuation of the talks,” Kalonzo stated.
“Because of his (Ruto’s) stand, we recognise him and we will wait for the next time because who knows? God’s plans may be with us next,” he added.
The former vice president, who co-chairs the National Dialogue Committee alongside Kenya Kwanza’s Kimani Ichung’wah, said nobody would stop the talks that have since received a nod from the National Assembly and the Senate.
“We have a problem with what some people are saying. President Ruto’s deputy (Gachagua) attended a funeral in Ukambani and what he said there has left residents wondering what kind of leader he is. But we will call everyone to order,” Kalonzo said as he accused Gachagua of attempts to frustrate the peace initiative.
Azimio had early this year rejected the outcome of last year’s presidential poll, claiming their candidate, Raila, was rigged out.
Raila and his allies said they had evidence to believe that the former prime minister won the poll by more than two million votes.