UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar has criticised Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka for his extended period in Kenya’s political opposition.

Speaking to a delegation of Akamba Leaders based in Nairobi on Monday, September 29, Omar chided Kalonzo for lacking the political strategy to make informed choices.

Omar, who served as the Secretary General of the Wiper Democratic Movement–Kenya while serving as Mombasa senator, recounted how he rose to become a prominent figure in the government while Kalonzo remains a mere opposition figure, only associating with Gen Z movement.

“In 1983, as Kalonzo started his politics, I was in class two. I have fought; now I am in the government, he is on the streets. It’s pure strategy; I am now offering advice to the government.  Sometimes, don’t use too much energy. There is a time to work hard and a time to work smart,” he stated.

Omar’s sentiments follow Kalonzo’s claims that he declined to join the broad-based government after being invited.

Waiting for revolution

“Great leaders from Ukambani had gotten used to being in government, people like Mulu Mutisya and other influential people. But now the guy is sitting on the road, waiting for the youth revolution,” he jibed.

The secretary general, while commending the elected grassroots leaders’ decision to support the ruling UDA party, urged the delegation to start planning their political future

 “I know you have noted that there is nowhere Kalonzo is going. And it is time you have to think which leader from your community could command enough influence and clout to sit at the table when Ruto is exiting in 2032,” he challenged.

Also watch: Kalonzo dismisses talks with Ruto.

Omar made the remarks while hosting a delegation of UDA grassroots leaders from the Kamba community living in Nairobi.

Led by Patrick Musili Mbangula, a former Minority leader in Nairobi’s county assembly and a gubernatorial aspirant for the 2027 elections, the leaders presented their plea to the SG for a meeting with President William Ruto.

Seeking audience

“We know the president listens to you and speaks daily about the affairs of the ruling party. They have asked me to tell you that if you get a chance to meet him, tell him that they are seeking to meet him and have a meeting on how they will make him a two-term president,” he told the SG.

They further reaffirmed their commitment to the ruling party.

“The delegation you see here is not from Wiper. It is from UDA. They have told me that they want to persuade more people to join UDA and increase the number of our community in the coming elections,” he added.