NASA co-principal and Wiper Party boss Kalonzo Musyoka has responded to critics who branded him a “coward” and a “betrayer” following his absence at Uhuru Park on Tuesday.
It was widely expected that Kalonzo would take the oath as the “People’s Vice President” alongside Raila Odinga.
However, he missed out on the event which raised more questions than answers. Across all social media platforms, his absence at the event was the subject of debate.
Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi sparked off the fierce betrayal debate with a tweet stating: “We predicted the Nasa betrayal in June 2017. Now Uhuru must charge Raila with taking an illegal oath under section 61 of the penal code. Zero option.”
However, Kalonzo in an interview with a local vernacular radio station, Mbaitu FM said he could not make it to Uhuru Park since he had no security detail.
“I was at my house in Karen when a police lorry came very early and took all my bodyguards, there is no way I could have made it to Uhuru Park, I wish Kenyans could understand what we are going through,” said the Wiper Party leader.
He added that he is ready to take the oath because he was prepared to take it yesterday but the events that preceded the ceremony made it difficult for him.
At the end of the week, he said they will meet as NASA principals and set a new date for his swearing-in.
He added: “We talked with my colleagues Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula and when it was clear we won’t make it we asked Raila to proceed, we are very united. Jubilee remains illegitimate government and we will do everything possible to get electoral justice.”
Just before Raila took the oath administered by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang alongside self-proclaimed National Resistance Movement Miguna Miguna-both lawyers-Raila said Kalonzo was together with them on the oath plan.
“Kalonzo Musyoka is not here with us. But he is together with us in this. He will be sworn in later,” Raila told the crowd amid applause.
Other co-Principals, Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi were missing from the event too. In a joint statement, they said they are together in the course.
“We met on Monday and agreed to meet again this morning(Tuesday). However, due to circumstances beyond our comprehension and control, the four of us did not assemble as planned. Nonetheless, the NASA Summit remains strong and united. The Summit will meet within two days, to address the immense challenges facing this country.”