Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka served as the late Mwai Kibaki’s Vice President from 2008-2013 in the coalition government.
Kalonzo was appointed as the 10th Vice President of Kenya in January 2008 after he lost in the 2007 general elections.
Moody Awori and the late Wamalwa Kijana also served as Kibaki’s Vice Presidents during his first term in office.
The Wiper party leader was however not given a chance to eulogize his former boss during his state funeral on Friday at the Nyayo stadium despite his presence.
Politicians who addressed the audience included President Uhuru Kenyatta, DP William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and International presidents that had joined Kenyans for the requiem mass, besides the deceased’s family.
The move has angered Kenyans who say that there was no reason to deny Kalonzo a chance since he was close to Kibaki and he never troubled him as his VP.
“It’s sad toxic petty politics manifested even in a State funeral by denying CJ Martha Koome, NA Speaker Justin Muturi, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka and importantly Kibaki’s VP Kalonzo Musyoka an opportunity to eulogize Mzee Kibaki. It’s bad manners to future generations,” Sam Kihika said.
“Handlers of the program in Othaya should maintain the no-politics stance but at least allow Kalonzo Musyoka to pay his tribute to a man whose Government he saved in early 2008. As a loyal Kibaki VP, he can acknowledge other national leaders present,” Stephen Mutoro said.
“Kalonzo Musyoka was yesterday denied a chance by dynasties to eulogize his former boss and instead gave Raila who made it difficult for Kibaki to achieve his agenda for Kenya, Kalonzo was Kibaki’s Vice President and he deserved a chance to eulogize his former boss,” Mandera blogger’s tweet read.
“Mbona Kalonzo Musyoka hakuongea jana ama mimi ndiyo sikusikia speech yake?Wasn’t he Kibaki’s Vice President from 2008 to 2013? Didn’t he cross over to Kibaki’s side in 07/08 single handedly saving Kibaki from the threat of losing govt because of ‘No Raila No Peace'” read another tweet.
RELATED STORY:“Mwai Kibaki Will Not Fit In Paragraphs” DP Ruto’s Full Tribute To The Fallen Leader At Nyayo Stadium
