Azimio One Kenya coalition co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka has urged the party to pardon members who held a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday.
Speaking during an Azimio coalition parliamentary group meeting led by party leader Raila Odinga at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos, Musyoka indicated that members who were trying to shift political allegiance after winning their seats have everything to lose should elections be held today.
Kalonzo cited the case of Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, who was met with hostility after showing up at the Maanzoni meeting yet he was among the nine MPs condemned for going to State House.
“These people who went to State House the other day, if there is an election to be called, would they really? Poor Jalang’o! In fact, I was looking for him…I’m still going to look for Jalang’o because he was here. We must also exercise tolerance. When someone wants to say sorry don’t throw them out,” said Kalonzo amid murmurs from party members who disagreed with his remarks.
“I will not withdraw my remarks but imagine the state of mind poor Jalang’o is in…because now Kibera is his hostile ground. You know you are supposed to enjoy your tour of duty as an MP for your constituency,” Kalonzo stressed.
The Wiper party leader went ahead to accuse President William Ruto of cannibalizing the Azimio coalition rather than initiating a bipartisan approach while seeking support for government agenda.
He urged the Azimio members to stand firm, stating: “My friends, time is extremely of the essence. What you decide to do out of Maanzoni may shape your future positive progression in elective politics.”
A commotion was witnessed at Maanzoni Lodge on Thursday morning after a group of men blocked Jalang’o from accessing the meeting hall.
After the brief commotion, the MP was allowed in, only to be sent away minutes later.
Speaking to the press after being kicked out, Jalang’o claimed that a member of Raila Odinga’s security asked him to leave the hall.
“I feel bad. You know I love Baba… I am a member of ODM,” he said.
