Kalonzo Musyoka makes good threat to exit Azimio for missing running mate slot

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has rejected Raila Odinga's Chief Cabinet Secretary position and decamped from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

Kalonzo announced his move to leave the coalition after Raila Odinga, in a historic move unveiled Martha Karua as his presidential running mate in the August election.

He made the announcement on Monday at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) command centre in Nairobi.

Kalonzo also announced that he will run for the presidency on the Wiper party ticked under the One Kenya Alliance coalition.

"My name is before the @IEBCKenya as the @TheWiperParty Presidential Candidate," Kalonzo announced.

He cited lack of faith as a reason for leaving the Azimio coalition and going to the ballot alone.

"If there is no faith, you can't do business... For how long will we sacrifice and even if we sacrifice, they mess up," Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo said he has been in consultation with Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta discussing the running mate issue but maintained the final decision to pick a running mate solely remained on Raila.

He revealed Raila tried to prevail upon him to accept Karua’s nomination for the running mate’s position, but it seems it did not go well with him once vice president of the country.

"Raila tried to convince me to accept Martha as his running mate," Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo further named one Andrew Leteipa Ole Sunkuli as his deputy president's candidate.

“Andrew Leteipa Sunkuli is my Deputy Presidential candidate,” Kalonzo announced.

Kalonzo’s move confirms what his allies led by Makueni PM Daniel Maanzo and Mutula Kilonzo Jr. have been saying that if he is not picked Raila’s running mate, he would opt to run for the presidency.

"We have only one option, to run for president. Martha Karua cannot even hold a meeting in Central. She adds no value. Raila no longer wants to be president," Maanzo said.