Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has explained why Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka questioned Edwin Sifuna’s presidential candidature, dismissing claims that the incident at the Linda Mwananchi Movement launch was a deliberate attempt to humiliate him.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s Citizen Sunday Live programme on Sunday, November 1, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader said Kalonzo was attempting to communicate a legal requirement regarding the formal endorsement of Sifuna as the movement’s presidential candidate.
Malala argued that the confrontation was caused by the way Kalonzo delivered his message rather than an intentional attempt by Sifuna or former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to disrespect the former Vice President.
«"People take advantage of Kalonzo of his soft-spokenness and they would want to paint an ugly picture of who he is. It was neither Sifuna nor Gachagua humiliating Kalonzo. It was a political moment; it was a slip of the tongue," Malala said.»
He maintained that Kalonzo’s remarks had been misunderstood, resulting in a confrontation that overshadowed the political discussions at the event.
According to Malala, the Wiper leader was seeking to emphasise that Sifuna’s candidature would only be formally confirmed after the movement’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) ratified the decision to endorse him.
«"He wanted to make the point that, legally, Sifuna’s candidature will be concretised when the National Delegates Conference ratifies the decision to endorse him as the Linda Mwananchi presidential candidate. The rendition of the message was wrong," Malala explained.»
The controversy erupted on Friday, October 30, when Kalonzo addressed supporters during the launch of the movement’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
Kalonzo challenged remarks by Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa that appeared to present Sifuna as the opposition’s presidential candidate, arguing that the selection process had not been concluded.
His intervention prompted sections of the audience to chant "Sifuna President", interrupting his address and forcing the Nairobi senator to appeal for calm.
Sifuna urged his supporters to respect the leaders who had attended the event, allowing Kalonzo to continue speaking.
The Wiper leader later indicated that he was prepared to support Sifuna, Gachagua or another candidate if the opposition settled on that individual through consultations.