Kalonzo Musyoka suspends his presidential bid, returns to Azimio la Umoja [Video]

Wiper Leader Kalonzo has announced the next step for his presidential bid after losing out to Martha Karua in the battle to become Raila Odinga’s running mate.

Kalonzo has taken a break from active politics to reflect on his presidential bid.

"I have today deferred my dream to run for the president of the republic of Kenya in the next general election," he said.

The former vice president also congratulated Karua for her nomination as Odinga's running mate, assuring her of his full support.

Kalonzo explained that in the interest of supporting the Azimo la Umoja presidential candidate, he had accepted an offer to become a chief minister if Raila wins the presidential election.

"I congratulate Hon. Martha Karua on her nomination as the Deputy President nominee of Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya coalition party; I assure Martha of my full support," he said.

After making the announcement, Musyoka is expected to accompany Odinga to Mukuru kwa Njenga for a campaign rally.

"Beginning today, I commit myself to the Azimio-OKA campaign activities because we are in this race to win, there is no other option," Kalonzo stated.

Andrew Sunkuli who gave up his Narok Senatorial bid to become Kalonzo's running mate has agreed to join him in Azimio.

"Your excellency I want to confirm to you today that giving way doesn't make you a flip-flopper, giving way doesn't make you an undecided person giving way doesn't make you a watermelon," said Sunkuli.

Kalonzo Musyoka drops his presidential bid in favour of Raila Odinga Pulse Live Kenya

Delayed announcement

Musyoka was expected to make his stand on whether he would rejoin the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party or proceed with his presidential bid on Monday but postponed it at the last minute.

Instead, he is said to have met with Azimio-OKA presidential candidate Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta virtually to finalise a deal that will see Kalonzo rejoin the coalition.

Highly placed sources aware of the hour-long negotiations have told reporters that Musyoka bargained for at least five cabinet portfolios in addition to the position of Chief Cabinet Secretary should the coalition win the august election.

According to the sources, the deal will see Kalonzo being appointed as Foreign Affairs CS and be promoted to Chief Minister if the coalition forms the next government.

Kalonzo will also get to nominate at least four more Cabinet appointments; Water, Health, Energy and Tourism.

It was reported that Musyoka also wanted the Transport and Infrastructure docket but yielded in the end.