Muthama: Plan for Kalonzo’s return to Parliament on

By Geoffrey Mosoku

NAIROBI; KENYA: Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama has refuted reports that negotiations to bring former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka to parliament have flopped.

Muthama says that contrary to those reports, the plot to have Kalonzo in parliament was afoot and was only waiting for the former VP to give his nod as to which house he wants to join.

“It’s a matter of Kalonzo and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to decide where they want to join, whether it’s Senate or National Assembly,” he said.

The outspoken senator claimed that over 20 MPs from Nairobi, Coast, Nyanza and Eastern were ready to give up their seats in favour of the two principals while adding that the was ready to personally vacate his position for Kalonzo.

“I have even prepared my letter of resignation if I will be required to do so as Senator of Machakos.  Kalonzo’s position today is just telling us wait I will tell you where,” he added.

Addressing journalists in his Nairobi private office on Monday, Muthama sought to clarify CORD’s quest to have Raila and kalonzo in parliament saying they risk losing relevance if they don’t become MPs.

He said that the plan to bring the two on board was floated by the coalition’s MPs and that although both Raila and Kalonzo may not be keen on the offer, it’s important to take up the challenge.

“From the experience I have if you are not in an elective position in Kenyan politics it is extremely difficult to be recognised locally and internationally,” Muthama said arguing that former Vice Presidents have remained in active politics.

He cited Raila’s father Jaramogi Oginga, immediate former president Mwai Kibaki and late internal security minister George Saitoti who remained in parliament even after being fired as VPs to continue with their relevance.

“Even for Uhuru Kenyatta to contest, someone was forced to resign for him to be nominated to parliament in 2001 so that he can use parliamentary forum to launch his career,” he added.

Muthama added; “It’s not up to the generals to decide where they want to be during a battle but their foot soldiers who are on the battle front.”

However, Yatta MP Francis Mwangangi accused Muthama of driving a selfish agenda in his push to have Kalonzo re-elected to the house.

He challenged the Machakos senator to table his resignation letter before the senate speaker instead of playing to the public gallery by claiming he will quit.

“As Ukambani leaders no one is opposed to the proposal to bring the former VP back to the house but we take exception with the manner in which some leaders like Muthama are conducting the whole issue,” Mwangangi said.

Since the push to have Raila and Kalonzo return to parliament was revealed, the former VP has chosen to keep off the debate with Raila publicly speaking against the move.

Two weeks ago, a Cord a parliamentary group meeting resolved to appoint former minister Francis Nyenze as leader of minority on acting capacity until such a time that Kalonzo will find his way to parliament.