A Familiar Tune? Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka and the Peril of Second Fiddle Politics

 

Kenya's political landscape is ever-shifting, a vibrant, often tumultuous arena where alliances are forged and broken with dizzying speed. As the nation gears up for future elections, the actions and strategies of its political leaders come under intense scrutiny. Among them, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, a seasoned politician with a long history in Kenyan public life, once again finds himself at a critical juncture, and his recent political manoeuvres, particularly his association with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, raise familiar questions about his presidential ambitions and long-term vision.

                                                              Hon Kalonzo Musyoka in a Court Room

History, as they say, has a habit of repeating itself, especially when its lessons are ignored. For many Kenyans, Kalonzo's current positioning evokes a strong sense of déjà vu. The echoes of 2011 and 2012, when he embarked on a fervent "shuttle diplomacy" mission, are particularly loud. Despite counsel against it from within his own party, notably from the late Senior Counsel Mutula Kilonzo, Kalonzo traversed global capitals, ostensibly to defer ICC cases. However, many perceived this as an attempt to endear himself to the Mount Kenya region vote block, a strategy that ultimately proved fruitless. He was, to put it bluntly, left high and dry, compelled to join Raila Odinga in what many viewed as a marriage of glaring convenience.

Now, a decade and a half later, the concern among keen observers is: Why would Hon. Kalonzo repeat the same mistake? His current alignment with Rigathi Gachagua, an impeached former Deputy President, seems to suggest a similar playbook. The underlying assumption appears to be that Gachagua can deliver the Mount Kenya vote bloc, a notion that many find naive, especially considering Gachagua's own recent political tribulations and the ever-shifting allegiances within that region. The insatiable desire for power, and perhaps an overestimation of tribal supremacy, appears to be blinding him to the stark realities of political history.

A serious presidential candidate must demonstrate a national appeal that transcends tribal or regional strongholds. They must actively traverse the entire country, articulating a clear manifesto and engaging with diverse communities to earn widespread support. Yet, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka is frequently seen within his Kamba land home turf. How does he expect to command a sizeable national vote to ascend to the presidency without a visible, sustained national outreach?

Furthermore, a presidential aspirant needs a clear message, a compelling clarion call that resonates with the aspirations of the entire nation. What exactly does Kalonzo Musyoka believe in? What is his campaign's overarching theme? Instead, we hear him echoing "Wantam" and "Hi Cousins," a mantra that has become synonymous with Gachagua's political narrative. This raises a critical question: Is Kalonzo genuinely campaigning for the presidency, or is he subtly supporting Gachagua for the top seat, thereby confusing the very people in Ukambani who look up to him for direction? It is a disservice to the intelligence of the Akamba people to assume their unquestioning support.

While it is commendable for a lawyer of Kalonzo Musyoka's standing to appear in court for detained individuals, especially in matters of justice, one must question the political optics. The WIPER party boasts a wealth of competent legal minds, including formidable figures like Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and Daniel Maanzo. Why not delegate such tasks to them, allowing Kalonzo to focus his energy and time on building a robust, nationwide presidential campaign? Being at the beck and call of Rigathi Gachagua, even in a legal capacity, certainly exhibits a degree of unseriousness regarding his own presidential ambitions.

It is high time for leaders to embrace responsibility and honesty. Kenyans deserve clarity and genuine commitment from those who aspire to lead them. Kalonzo Musyoka, with his considerable experience, has the potential to be a formidable contender. However, for him to truly emerge as a serious presidential candidate, he must break free from the cycle of playing second fiddle, learn from past missteps, and actively demonstrate a national vision that extends far beyond regional or transactional alliances. The time for proving himself to all Kenyans, on his own terms, is now.

Ndungata