Sonko: I’ll join CORD if Kalonzo is named flag bearer

Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and Sen. Moses Wetangula (2nd left) acknowledge greetings from Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko during the burial of John King'ola, father to Hon Patrick Makau of Mavoko constituency at Ngelani, Machakos County. Over 15 Members of Parliament and Senate attended the Burial of the late 22/07/2016.(PICTURE BY DENNIS KAVISU)

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko at the weekend pledged to support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s presidential bid if he is made the CORD flag bearer.

“Give Kalonzo Musyoka the CORD presidential ticket and I will jump ship and back him for the top seat,” said Sonko.

The senator recalled how he traversed the country ahead of the 2013 General Election, campaigning for Kalonzo to become the President, but abandoned him midway when he backed off to rally his troops behind Raila Odinga.

“I am ready to ditch Jubilee to join CORD if Kalonzo is the torch bearer, but short of this, count me out,” he said.

Sonko was speaking at Ngelani in Machakos County during the burial of father of Mavoko MP Patrick Makau, Mzee John King’ola.

He urged the former Vice-President to rally elected leaders behind him so that they may serve the residents of Ukambani together.

Sonko said the Kamba community is faced with myriad problems and vowed not to allow the community to be used as a rubber stamp either by the ruling coalition or the Opposition.

Kalonzo and his CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula led dozens of leaders to condole with Makau and his family, following his father’s death.

The Wiper leader sought to assure those seeking the party’s ticket for various seats in next year’s General Election of free and fair nominations. He said the CORD family was more united than ever before and urged Wiper supporters to remain steadfast and solidly behind him.

Kalonzo said he will not allow splinter groups within Wiper and urged the party leaders to love and respect each other.

Wetang’ula extended an olive branch to Sonko, urging him to “return home” and work with Kalonzo and CORD.

He encouraged CORD supporters to arm themselves with voters cards ahead of the general election if they wanted the coalition to ascend to power.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama asked Wiper elected leaders from Ukambani to move out to others parts of the country and campaign for Kalonzo, saying votes from the region were already in one basket belonging to Kalonzo.