Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to acknowledge his role in the achievements of the late President Mwai Kibaki, insisting that history has overlooked his contribution during their five years in office together.

Speaking during a podcast interview on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Kalonzo recalled how he transitioned from a rival to Kibaki’s deputy, serving as vice president from 2008 until Kibaki’s retirement in 2013. He noted that while Kibaki is widely remembered for his transformative leadership, many forget that he worked closely with him, especially at a time when the head of state faced health challenges.

“Mimi nilishindana na Kibaki, alafu baadaye nikakuwa makamu wake… When Kibaki had me as his vice president for five years, he was a relaxed president. I can tell you, President Kibaki enjoyed it, and I enjoyed working with him. Kenyans must give me a little credit for the achievements of President Mwai Kibaki. Because I was there,” Kalonzo said.

Among the projects Kalonzo highlighted was the rollout of Vision 2030, a long-term development blueprint that set out to transform Kenya into a middle-income economy by the year 2030. Launched in 2008, the plan was designed to boost growth, create jobs, and modernize infrastructure. Kalonzo emphasised that he was part of the team that initiated the framework and consulted closely with Kibaki on its implementation.

“Literally, we started Vision 2030, for example, and you do not hear these people talking about Vision 2030 whatsoever,” Kalonzo said.

Major milestones

During his tenure as vice president, Kibaki’s government also presided over the construction of the Thika Superhighway, a landmark infrastructure project that began in 2009 and was completed in 2012. The road, stretching over 50 kilometres from Nairobi to Thika, revolutionised transport and became a symbol of Kibaki’s focus on infrastructure-led growth.

Another milestone under their joint leadership was the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, a historic shift that introduced devolved governance, expanded rights, and restructured Kenya’s political landscape.

Despite these accomplishments, Kalonzo lamented that most Kenyans only remember Kibaki, while overlooking the deputies and teams who worked with him.