Kalonzo hits back at Ruto over his '40 years in power' jibes

Addressing a crowd in Bondo town, Siaya County on Sunday, Kalonzo agreed that indeed he has been a mainstay in Kenyan politics, with vast experience as a politician and leader, but said in those years he has not committed some of the atrocities allegedly committed by other leaders. 

"It's true I have been around for 40 years as Ruto claims, but I have not killed anyone's child, I have defended the rule of the law together with other many leaders. I have been here for 40 years, but I haven't done what others have done in 5 or 10 years," Kalonzo said.

The Wiper Patriotic Front Leader also defended his political friendship with former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga, saying he worked closely with him because he believed in the rule of law. 

Kalonzo said ahead of Raila's first anniversary, he will not join some other leaders, especially from the government side, because he believes they rigged Raila's win in the 2022 election.

"I will not attend Raila's celebration even as the world comes together to remember him. I cannot share a platform with people who mistreated Raila when he was alive. I will come back on my own," Kalonzo further said.

President Ruto has been chiding Kalonzo for allegedly doing little in the many years he has been in politics, using a road linking to his rural home in Tseikuru as a yardstick to advance his attacks.

Ruto claims in the 40 years Kalonzo has been around, he did little to tarmac the road, and now it has taken his (Ruto) efforts to have the road repaired. 

His attacks come even as Kalonzo is being touted by his camp to be the United Opposition flag bearer, to take on Ruto in the 2027 election.

The opposition is yet to settle on a candidate, but Kalonzo is one of the several who have expressed interest in taking on Ruto as he seeks a second term.