Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, is planning to leave the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and run for the presidency as a solo candidate, according to his party's bigwigs.
His party members have warned him that if he decides to break away from CORD, he will be doing so alone. This warning comes from three Wiper senators: Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni), David Musila (Kitui), and Johnson Muthama (Machakos).
Kalonzo is one of the three CORD co-principals, along with Raila Odinga and Moses Wetangula. The three have also formed the National Super Alliance (NASA) with Musalia Mudavadi of the Amani National Congress (ANC) and Nick Salat, the Secretary General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU).
According to the Nation, Kalonzo has been demanding to be made the CORD presidential candidate ahead of the August 2017 election, citing his sacrifices for his partners. However, his party members see this as a sign that he plans to leave the coalition.
Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jr expressed concern that the party's image would be damaged if they were to leave CORD, stating,
It is a shame Wiper party has portrayed a bad image on the national stage. We look indecisive and concentrating on the wrong things. The party has no choice but to remain focused within CORD.
Senator David Musila also warned that if Kalonzo decides to run for the presidency outside of the opposition umbrella, he will do so alone, saying,
If our party leader decided to run the presidential race on his own outside the Opposition umbrella, he will go that route alone.
The potential exit of Kalonzo from CORD could have significant consequences for the coalition and the upcoming election.
