Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declined an invitation from former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to attend the party’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, September 24, Kalonzo said the ODM chief, a longtime ally, had written to him requesting his presence at the ODM at 20 celebrations, which are set to be held in Mombasa.
He stated that he is going to craft a reply letter to Raila, whom he has stood by and supported three times, to formally decline the invitation.
“My brother Raila Odinga wrote me a very nice letter, as an ODM founding member, inviting me to the event. There’s nothing on the table that we have seen; therefore, I cannot,” he said.
“He even stated that there will be a dinner event on the 10th, and unfortunately, I am going to reply that on that day we will have the National Delegates Congress of Wiper Patriotic Front. I will not be there.”
Kalonzo Rules Out Attending ODM at 20 Event Despite Raila Odinga’s Invitation
Kalonzo added, “I’m perhaps one of the principal figures, of course, as you know. If Raila sees things getting bad on the other side, he is one of us. He’s one of us—I respect him.”
Also Read: Why Kenyans Want Raila Back in Opposition to Face Ruto
Kalonzo, citing his long political friendship with Odinga, seemingly expressed regret for backing the former premier’s political ambitions for far too long, saying he would not attend the event.
“I’ve said that I respect my friend Raila Odinga. I spent a sizable chunk of my own life supporting him and standing with him,” he added.
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.
ODM, in a letter, announced that the event will bring together the party’s founding members.
“We are very pleased that this will be a reunion of those who helped start ODM and are still active today,” the letter stated.
Among the founders were Raila, President William Ruto, Kalonzo, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Gitobu Imanyara, Najib Balala, and the late Joe Nyagah.
Also Read: Influential Voice Who Can Sway Kalonzo Into Working With Ruto
Jubilee NDC Meeting Will Not Feature Other Party Leaders
Meanwhile, regarding attendance at the Jubilee Special National Delegates Conference (NDC), the Wiper leader stated that Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni had indicated that no national leaders were expected to attend the event.
Kalonzo mentioned that the last Jubilee NDC meeting he attended had led to legal action.
“I was with Jeremiah Kioni and Fred Matiang’i in Kajiado on Sunday, and Kioni said he is not expecting other leaders to attend. They are holding it as a Jubilee event,” he stated.
“The last time we attended a Jubilee NDC event chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the matter went to court, and in their pleadings, they were told they had invited outsiders. Let them first sort out their issues.”
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