Kalonzo now says NASA swearing-in is illegal

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka now says the ‘oath’ taken by NASA leader Raila Odinga and which he is also expected to take is illegal.

Kalonzo, on Tuesday, February 13 dismissed reports that he is set to be sworn in as the “People’s Deputy President” on February 28, 2018, saying the National Super Alliance leaders are still consulting on the controversial matter.

“I’ve seen the headline in the Star (newspaper) that I will be sworn on 28th… That’s news to me, this time we are very careful about the dates we give so that we are clear on which way we are going. In good and due time, we will bring to the notice of our people on the date,” said Kalonzo.

In apparent doublespeak, Kalonzo, who recently asserted he is ready to be sworn in said holding a mock oathing ceremony is not a light matter and it requires proper legal consultation.

“What I know is that they cannot arrest Raila probably because he is not vying come 2022 but as for me, their (political rivals) wish is that I be arrested and prosecuted since to be sincere the oathing is against the constitution'” said Kalonzo speaking in Kamba.

The former vice president cited his future political ambitions as a ground for being wary on the ‘oathing’ plans.

“I want you people to understand that if I was arrested today, taken to court and released on bond; I would not even be allowed at the airport or travel to any country. It’s like having your legs tied. This means that you are not able to reach out to your friends for help come the next general election.

“Or they can even give you bail conditions of probably Ksh. 200 million million considering whatever they are terming as treason is not something light,” said Kalonzo.

He further stated that from the onset, the NASA leaders knew that the swearing-in ceremony was a violation of the law and had anticipated the arrest of Mr. Odinga, a situation yet to happen.

He added that prior to Odinga’s oathing ceremony, the NASA leaders agreed to have the opposition chief ‘sworn in’ alone so that in case he is arrested, the other NASA co-principals can lead a legal onslaught in his defence.

“Before the Machakos County Assembly forum, we met with Raila at Panafric Hotel and he told us ‘once I take the oath I know they’ll arrest me and you guys should come and get me out.’ But the government could not arrest Raila because they know it could cause a political crisis,” he said.

“Raila knew that it (swearing-in) is against the constitution, that is the truth of the matter… We agreed that if we are oathed, which is against the Constitution, we will accept the consequences,” said Kalonzo.

Mr. Kalonzo acknowledged that he risks arrest by taking the oath but at the same expressed confidence that he is not afraid to be sworn in.

“Don’t be misled by being told that Kalonzo is a coward. I am strong enough to make a decision that will benefit all our supporters,” he said.

The NASA co-principal was speaking at Stonni Athi Resort in Machakos after closing a Wiper women leaders league conference.