Wiper Party boss and Deputy Party leader for NASA coalition Kalonzo Musyoka could be plotting a comeback to Parliament after four years in the “cold”.
This emerged after first time Mwingi North MP Paul Musyimi Nzengu on Monday picked application forms for the Arusha-based East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Nzengu is expected to return the application form today.
In the event that he is appointed to EALA, it will expressly create a vacancy in the constituency prompting a by-election.
If Kalonzo decides to vie, he will win the seat without much ado. He has represented the constituency for the last 28 years as an MP until when he served as the Vice President in tenure that ended in 2013.
Asked if he had been asked to run for the EALA seat, Nzengu replied in negation, reports the Star.
“I do not think His Excellency Hon Kalonzo would ask me to do such a thing and if and when he does, I will make the decision at the appropriate time. For now, this question is totally irrelevant,” said the Mwingi North MP.
Kalonzo on the other hand could not be reached for comment on the matter since he is in Germany together with his ailing wife, Pauline Kalonzo.
A faction within Wiper Party told the Star that they have been toying with the possibility of Nzengu’s resignation and entry to EALA which will trigger a by-election and Kalonzo vies.
But, once again, Nzengu said he is not aware of such talks.
“We will cross that bridge when we get there. That debate is not relevant for now.”
The MP had earlier watered down the notion that it was he who was applying for the EALA job. He said he picked the application forms on behalf of Kalonzo’s Personal Assistant.
“The PA asked me to pick the forms on behalf of Kalonzo and I sent my secretary to collect them. I do not know why the speaker decided it was me who is applying for the position.”
If Kalonzo got to Parliament, he would play a pivotal role in strengthening NASA’s hand in the 12th Parliament.
This is not the first attempt that has been made for the Ukambani political supremo to return to Parliament.
After the 2013 polls edged him out of government, there were plans to shuttle him back to Parliament and assume the role of Leader of Minority.
The then Mwingi Central MP Joe Mutambu was identified to step down for Kalonzo. He turned this proposal down.
“I have not been approached nor have I been asked to step down. I was voted in by the people of Mwingi Central and I have to consult them before making any move,” he said.”
After the death of Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo, talks of his comeback to government took shape once again but were resisted by Kilonzo’s family and a section of Makueni residents.
Acting Wiper Secretary-General Robert Mbui (Kathiani MP) has since dismissed the talks saying Kalonzo is not power-hungry.
“That is propaganda, Kalonzo is not interested in coming to Parliament, he has set his eye on preparing to run for President in the 2022 general election,” he said.