Kalonzo turns down Raila invitation to attend ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations

Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka says he has rejected an invitation by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss Raila Odinga to attend the party’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations.

Addressing the press outside Wiper headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kalonzo said the ODM chief, who has long been his ally, had written to him requesting him to grace the ODM at 20 celebrations set to be held at the Coast.

Citing his long political friendship with Odinga, the 2027 presidential aspirant seemingly expressed regret for backing the former premier’s political ambitions for far too long, saying he would not attend the event.

“Ile kitu nimeona Raila ameniandikia barua akinialika ODM at 20. Mimi sitakuwa huko. I wish them well. I have spent a sizable chunk of my own life to support Raila,” he stated.

ODM will be marking 20 years since its formation in 2005, with celebrations scheduled to take place from 10th to 12th October in Mombasa County.

At the same time, Kalonzo claimed that President William Ruto is destined to serve only one term in office, drawing parallels with Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera, who on Wednesday finally conceded defeat in last week's election.

“Malawi wamesema one term na Wakenya are about to make history; President Ruto lazima atakuwa one term. Tujiandae Ruto atakuwa wa kwanza kusema nimekubali,” he said.

Kalonzo also announced that his party will be fielding candidates in several upcoming by-elections.

“We are fielding candidates in Kasipul, Ugunja and Magarini and 7 other MCA by-elections,” he revealed.