THE NEXT STEPS FOR H.E KALONZO MUSYOKA

Kenyan political arena is heated more than in 2007 when the young boy from Tseikuru gave a shot at the presidency. He came way too short but one silver line is that he cemented his legacy as the Kamba kingpin, a title being threatened by a small chirpy lying bird from Machakos and a cunning fox from Makueni.

It’s time for Kalonzo to roll his sleeves and get to work if he wants to salvage his career that’s on the verge of collapse. Despite numerous bad tags given to him by his opponents, Kalonzo has played it well albeit safe when it comes to national politics. It’s about time he risks it all for the bigger prize. Unlike in 2007, the bigger prize today is his stature nationally not the presidency.

Kalonzo cannot afford to stand by the fence when it comes to BBI. He has been silent on certain occasions but this is not the time to play a saint. Raila is making a name by touting BBI while Ruto is gaining popularity by going against BBI. He should join either of them and campaign vigorously. It doesn’t matter if his side will win or lose, voters will remember his vigour and charisma on the campaign trail. DP Ruto opposed the Constitution of Kenya (2010) and he lost. 3 years later, he would go on to be the biggest beneficiary of the constitution by assuming the office of the first deputy president in Kenya. Kalonzo can borrow a leaf from him.

It’s evident in Kenyan political sphere that you can’t win without coalitions. Sadly, Kenyan politics are still tribal. You go to Western they will want to know which bull fights for you. Is it Musalia, Wetangula or Atwoli? In Nyanza, saying Baba with a practiced smile is the only way to get votes. If you go to coast, they will see how you will handle their erratic sultan. Handle him with care and when he insults you smile and say ‘nashukuru’. The tribal gods in Kenya are a necessary evil and the Wiper Leader should see how he can bring as much as possible to his fold.

If Kalonzo Musyoka needs to bargain at national level with other kingpins, he must bring Kamba votes in one basket. That’s not hard though. Despite every Kamba leader thinking he can auction the area votes, for 18 years counting, Kalonzo has made sure the Kamba community votes are in one basket. He should move fast to quell the dissent coming from outgoing governors in the region. The method he needs to apply is up to his discretion.

National campaigns require a lot of cash. For many years, Kalonzo has depended on the benevolence of Johnstone Muthama and the Muslim community in Kitui. Muthama has deserted him and gone are his billions and choppers. Kalonzo needs new sponsors like yesterday. Currently he can’t mount a successful nationwide tour unless he starts comic listening tours like his prodigal son.

With the right amount of cash, Kalonzo should embark on a popularity tour countrywide. It’s not a must he carry wheelbarrows or excite the crowd with kitendawili. He needs to find his charisma and eloquence back. He also needs a good campaign strategist who will pinch him when he starts making his careless remarks. They have been happening in worrying frequency since the day he called himself mtu wa mkono. Just a few days ago, he said that only a certain community can vie in a particular region.

Can Kalonzo become a president in 2022? That’s the elephant in the room. Currently, we have two leading horses in the race: Ruto and Raila. If he decides to vie and fail miserably, he will be kicked into political oblivion. A running mate might be the only viable option now.

The son of Tseikuru has hard choices to make. The destiny of his career and the posterity of the community is in his hands.