Kalonzo to Oparanya: Ditch state if nothing works

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has told Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to ditch the broad-based government if it becomes clear Kenya is not moving forward.

Kalonzo said Oparanya should not wait until the last minute to leave the government should President William Ruto fail to honour his pledges to Kenyans.

“If you see things are getting worse on that side and people at home are even complaining just leave. Do not wait until it is terrible,” he said.

Kalonzo, however, told Oparanya to give his best while serving Kenyans.  “For now, just work. We wish you well,” he said.

Kalonzo made the remarks in Vihiga County during the burial of Baba Mwalimu Eliud Josiah Marende, who was the father of former Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende.

Oparanya was among the guests who attended the burial. Others were DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni, Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi, Luanda MP Dick Maungu, Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula and former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu.

In his address to mourners, Kalonzo claimed he was with Oparanya, when he got a call that President William Ruto was putting together a new government.

“He answered his phone and asked to be excused to leave. Oparanya told us he would return but I never saw him again. Since that day, I am seeing him against today, at this funeral,” he added.

“He is a good friend and I understand him.”

When Ruto formed his new government in August, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga exuded confidence that the broad-based government would live up to the expectations of Kenyans.

 “We have given him experts; you will now see things changing,” Raila told a gathering at Toi Market in Nairobi.

Ruto named opposition politicians Hassan Joho, Oparanya, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi to his Cabinet.

The President has reaffirmed his commitment to form a government of national unity that will bring all Kenyans together to address issues facing the country.

He admitted that the youth-led protests, which rocked the country, were a wake-up call that the days of outdated politics are over.