I’m not a turncoat, says Kalonzo

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has denied allegations that he is a turncoat who expects to benefit if presidential aspirants Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto are locked out of the race to State House.

Mr Musyoka said he has known and worked with Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto before they were charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.

It would thus be “foolhardy” for anyone to perceive his support for them to shedding crocodile tears.

The VP said the four Kenyans facing ICC charges are innocent until proven guilty.

“We cannot condemn people who, by law, are considered innocent until a court of law finds otherwise,” the VP said.

Shuttle diplomacy

Mr Musyoka also defended his shuttle diplomacy saying it was intended to woo African states to back Kenya’s position on the Hague cases and not intended to get the country out of the ICC.

“We believed that a local tribunal was the best way out,” he said.

Speaking during a meeting in Machakos Town attended by Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto, Mr Musyoka said those accusing him of being a “watermelon” (belonging to two parties) were lying.

His Wiper Democratic Party had contributed to some of the provisions contained in the current Constitution, he said.

“Some of our critics in ODM opposed some provisions in the Constitution, but on today, they are chest-thumping and taking credit for the reforms we are witnessing,” he said.

Mr Musyoka said he was ready to work with whoever will clinch the G7 alliance nomination for the presidency. IDPs will also be settled, he said.