Kalonzo: I was to be Raila’s 2022 presidential successor
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has renewed his account of a 2017 political agreement with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the deal required Raila to support his presidential bid in the 2022 general election. Kalonzo said the agreement was reached before the 2017 election, when he and Raila were preparing to run together […]
Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, has reiterated his account of a political deal he made with late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 2017. According to Musyoka, the agreement necessitated Raila to back his presidential campaign in the 2022 general election. The arrangement was reached before the 2017 election, when both men were planning to run together under the National Super Alliance (NASA).
During a television interview on August 10, 2026, Musyoka recounted a difficult conversation he had with Raila before agreeing to support his presidential bid. Musyoka stated, "In 2017, I had a tough talk with my friend Raila. I looked at him, I said, you know, these people may never allow you to be president." They subsequently agreed to share political responsibilities, with Raila seeking the presidency in 2017 and Musyoka vying for the presidency in 2022.
The terms of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) included Musyoka supporting Raila in 2017, and in 2022, regardless of the 2017 result, Raila was to back Musyoka's presidential bid. The MOU, prepared in three copies, has been the subject of political debate following its revelation in March 2022. Despite the agreement, Musyoka opted to support Raila and Martha Karua in the 2022 election, citing his supporters' dissatisfaction with his decision and his commitment to both political allies.
In the 2022 election, Raila ran with Karua as his running mate, while Musyoka backed their Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition campaign. Raila emerged victorious after securing 50.49% of the vote, while Raila finished second. Musyoka emphasized his decision as a sacrifice to the nation's interests rather than political opportunism, highlighting his dedication to national good and political principles.
As he prepares for another presidential bid in the 2027 General Election, Musyoka's account of the MOU underscores his history of prioritizing national interests, democracy, and political principles over personal ambitions.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
