Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has recalled how he persuaded former President Mwai Kibaki to appoint his successor, Uhuru Kenyatta, as Deputy Prime Minister after the volatile 2007 elections.

Speaking during the Iko Nini podcast on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Kalonzo debunked the tribal tag often associated with the late president, insisting that Kibaki was not tribal as many believed.

 He gave the example of how he pushed for Uhuru’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister after the Kofi Annan-led mediation talks. However, Kibaki declined, arguing that doing so would portray a tribal image.

“Kibaki was never a tribalist. Let me give you another example of why he wasn’t. It was me who actually convinced him to appoint Uhuru Kenyatta as deputy prime minister after the Kofi Annan talks, and he said, ‘Kalonzo, how do you expect me to appoint another Gikuyu to be a deputy prime minister?'” Kalonzo stated.

At that time, according to Kalonzo, ODM leader Raila Odinga, who had secured the Prime Minister position after the talks, had appointed Musalia Mudavadi. Kalonzo, however, believed it would have been wiser for the slot to go to Uhuru in line with the PNU lineup. He revealed that Uhuru himself never knew that he was lobbying for him to get the position.

“Remember, Raila had picked Mudavadi as his deputy prime minister after Kofi Annan talks, and now within the PNU alliance, we had consultations with friends; even Uhuru didn’t know I had to confront Kibaki, and Kibaki refused. If there was a man who was never a tribalist, it was Kibaki.”

Defending Kibaki from tribalism

Kalonzo went on to defend Kibaki further, citing how the former president worked closely with the late Vice President Michael Wamalwa, saying their cooperation was smooth despite being from different tribes.

He also pointed to his own working relationship with Kibaki as vice president, noting that those who associate Kibaki with tribalism are being unfair to his legacy.

Kalonzo, during the same interview, dismissed calls from different quarters, saying that he will ditch opposition in the to to 2027 elections and join the government, stating that wont happen