Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka: A Front Runner in 2012 Elections.

Added by Joseph Kipkoech on April 9, 2010.
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Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the Member of Parliament for Mwingi North, is the 10th Kenya’s Vice-President.Mr. Musyoka’s celebrations to mark his 25 consecutive years in Parliament is here with us.

He contested the 2007 disputed Presidential elections (10th General Election) and emerged third overall. President Mwai Kibaki then appointed him his deputy in January 2008.However, during the electioneering period, his famous declaration was “nitapita katikati yao na hawataniona” (I will pass right between them; they won’t know what hit them).

Whatever is highlighted above is now history. The pertinent question is- What does the future hold for him? The future is bright but he has to assess critically on the challenges ahead of him after the 2005 referendum exercise and the 2007 general elections.

A critical analysis of the two events will help him to shape his political destiny before 2012 general elections and craft his political path towards statehouse, the coveted seat of power in Kenya. With the new constitution in place, Mr. Musyoka has the herculean task of choosing carefully his running-mate, noting among other factors, bigger voting blocs.

Since 2012 is round the corner, the Vice-President has no option but to put in place his political strategy in order to be assured of a comfortable win in his grand march to statehouse. It includes a strong political party, good manifesto and grassroots mobilization to boost beyond any reasonable doubt his political fortunes.

The Prime Minister Mr. Raila Odinga will definitely cast his fishing gear wide and this will make the race to statehouse a two-horse race if the events of 2007 general elections are anything to go by. Otherwise, 2012 is an open race since President Kibaki will have completed his two-five year terms.

The 25 consecutive years in Parliament he is celebrating should be a time for Mr. Musyoka to plan well for the second presidential bid. After all, Mr. Odinga will be making a third presidential bid after 1997 and 2007 presidential debacles. History shows that Mr. Musyoka’s political track-record is exemplary. Also, his patriotism as a Kenyan and a leader is unquestionable.

The Vice-President has served Kenya in various ministerial dockets. They include among others, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tourism and Information, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

On the regional and international scene, Mr. Musyoka is not as new comer. He has wealth of experience in diplomacy and international relations, conflict management and foreign policy. It is therefore up to Kenyans to make a verdict on their leader who has risen through the political ranks from the rural background after graduating from the University and a stint of legal practice.

  • http://www.igd.org.za Kisiangani Emmanuel

    Koech it is quite clear that you’re skewing your expertise in your articles to favour your preferences. Kalonzo may be a front runner for 2012 on the basis of ethnic arithmetics but not on what he has done for the country. Other than the Sudan and Somali peace processes where he was involved by virtue of his ministerial docket (any one else could have done what he did which was not much) Kalonzo has no record nationally. I know the fact that if he manages to bring together three of Kenyas biggest ethnic groups like it appears apparent, he could as well make it in 2012 but dont argue on the basis of his record because he has none.

  • S.Min Jung

    I think so what Emmanuel said. Especially I’m Korean. Particulary I have interest that who will be the candidate for the 2012 presidential election. I don’t know exactly Kalonzo has been done for Kenya, execept peace processes between Sudan and Somali. I have a question. Why he was falling out with ODM and formed the ODM-Kenya? Did he think that he would be possibe to get a high-position in 2007 election? I think even It was one of the strategies to being president in next term of election. When I see this matter, Kibaki could not be the president again. So who is going to receive inheritance of Kibaki? The fact that Kalonzo have knew how he gets a ablilty of management Ethnic groups. It is just that stand up opposition of Odinga…

  • richard m mutua

    kalonzo will win 2012 presidential election regardless of what he has done.his key men been,ruto rift valley,uhuru central,balala coast,nairobi waititu,wetangula western,kutt n.eastern. kibaki will join moi to see and celebrate raila been defeated by kalonzo.

  • Mary Atieno

    For true, the vice president has what it takes to win the presidency and lead kenyans. UKWELI USEMWE. other people are just self seekers who make Kenyans suffer for no good and at their expense.

    Kalonzo is areknown peace maker and leader who thrives in every ministry he serve. he deserves respect, our prayers and support.

  • musyoki mutua

    i wonder how Kenyans take the VP. he was a key cabinet member in moi era and he has never been mentioned in any corruption cases like golden berg.this is the true leader Kenya sincerely needs in all means.thank our VP, God bless our very much as you walk to state house in 2012

  • damaris

    kalonzo is a peaceful man and corrupt free leader,kenyans think behold what u know and choose this man 4 presidency.

  • Collins

    I think if kalonzo wants to be a prominent person next year he has no option but to support Raila Odinga

  • musyoka titus

    I WOULD WANT TO STATE AS FOLLOWS :
    That , i am a patriotic citizen of the republic of Kenya and with all the due respect to all kenyans of goodwill i would to appeal to all kenyans that steve bears all the qualities of a good leader,Therefore let us back him when time comes .

  • MaUR

    This fellows who keep on saying Kalonzo has no record are the same fellows who shout the most when a Kenya leader is engrossed in corruption, not because they hate it but because they were not part of it neither did they benefit from it. Kalonzo did not branch off from ODM, it is Raila who did so since the original certificate for ODM was entrusted to Kalonzo hands, and Kalonzo was not about to play game in the act that was stage managed at Kasarani to endorse Raila. Just ask your self, how would Raila beat Ruto who as KANU secretary General had walked with almost entire KANU machinary into ODM?If Raila could beat Ruto, why did he chicken out in the contest with Wamalwa Kijana in Ford-K? People should stop peddling lies, in any case, Kalonzo did not sponsor a Coup de tart, He was patient, unlike him who has never be patient on others then others will never be patient with him too. If you want to slaughter a tortoise, you got to learn the art of timing and patience, and that is exactly what Kalonzo is good at. If we ask each other about what one has done, the that will be a surcease if the absurd, Raila has never ever been seen in any harambee in this Country, why? and his community is still lagging behind in terms of economic development when he is getting richer and richer? Matiba suffered loss of his wealth and country for this country, what has Raila lost so far to warrant pay back from Kenyans?????

  • http://gmail phyu

    he is among the best candidates that Kenyans should support, having served us for 25 years he know what exactly our test is.

  • Benson

    Kenyans we should exactly know what we want, where we are, where we came from and where we want to go. We are in a stage were peace,national integration and international relationship are pillars in the building of a strong and prosperous nation. Look at what is happening with our neighbors. One way or the other it will still touch on us may be negatively. Our economy is in its growth stage and we need to handle it like a baby by attracting investments and empowering the citizens. This cant come without proper leadership. What is you story on the shilling value, taxes, bank rates, cost of fuel, access to medical facilities, education etc. In a nut shell it is a leader we desperately need not a politician for us to move forward. Forget a bout the propaganda’s and politics you hear around and focus on “Who is the best leader for now”. In my opinion i can brag around that it is Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka period.

  • Benson

    Kenyans we should exactly know what we want, where we are, where we came from and where we want to go. We are in a stage were peace,national integration and international relationship are pillars in the building of a strong and prosperous nation. Look at what is happening with our neighbors. One way or the other it will still touch on us may be negatively. Our economy is in its growth stage and we need to handle it like a baby by attracting investments and empowering the citizens. This cant come without proper leadership. What is you story on the shilling value, taxes, bank rates, cost of fuel, access to medical facilities, education etc. In a nut shell it is a leader we desperately need not a politician for us to move forward. Forget a bout the propaganda’s and politics you hear around and focus on “Who is the best leader for now”. For me…… I can brag around that it is Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka period.

  • CATE KIMZ

    Kalonzo is not capable of winning the 2012 elections for reasons known by Mwingi North Constituents.

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