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Kalonzo Criticises ODM Leaders Over Bid for Presidency

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Published on Monday, 02 July 2007 03:18
Mwingi North Member of Parliament Kalonzo Musyoka yesterday stunned a crowd in Kisii when he attacked his colleagues in the Orange Democratic Movement, terming their pronouncements to vie for the Presidency premature.

Kalonzo claimed he has never declared his interest in the top seat."I have never declared my candidature for the Presidency even though many Kenyans have been talking about it. I will do it officially when the right time comes," said the former Environment minister.Kalonzo said it was premature for the ODM leaders to announce their intent to vie for the top seat."Declaring presidential candidature now is wrong for it ends up causing unnecessary political turmoil and confusion among Kenyans," he said.

He urged his colleagues in ODM to instead remain focused on being united for a common course.Musyoka was addressing mourners at Gusii Stadium during a funeral service for former Knut Kisii branch official Christopher Matoke. Present also were MPs Raila Odinga, William Ruto and Ochillo Ayacko.Raila, Ruto and several MPs had flown to Suneka airstrip from where they drove to the venue, while Musyoka arrived an hour later by road from Nairobi.

After the service, Raila and his team drove out of the stadium in a convoy leaving Musyoka behind.Musyoka had a hearty brief chat with Ford People MP Mwancha Okioma and Knut national officials before following the team to the deceased's home.

Kalonzo, who spoke immediately after Ruto, promised that the ODM team would eventually rally behind a single presidential candidate. Ruto received a thunderous applause when he commended the Kisii for supporting the ODM side in the November referendum."You killed the 'big man political syndrome' by voting contrary to what your leaders wanted," he said.He urged other communities to borrow a leaf from the Kisii by voting for popular national issues without first having to be given political directions by the "community's big men".Raila praised the Kisii for teaming up with their neighbours the Luo to champion common political ideals