'Who Is The Real Watermelon?' Questions as Kalonzo Opens Up On 2022 Betrayal By Raila Odinga

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has spoken candidly about his long political journey, opening up on years of betrayal, shifting alliances, and the controversial nickname “watermelon” that has trailed his career.

Speaking during a memorial service and later in a detailed interview, Kalonzo reflected on the highs and lows of his four decades in politics.

He admitted that his loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga has come at a cost, yet he still considers Raila a comrade despite past disappointments.

Kalonzo dismissed the mocking label, explaining that it originated from remarks he made back in 2002.

At the time, he had urged politicians to listen to the church during debates on the new constitution when Bishop David Oginde took office at the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. His stance, however, was twisted, and he was branded inconsistent.

The Wiper boss recalled standing behind Raila in three presidential races. According to him, Raila had promised to step aside and back his 2022 presidential run, but that never happened. Instead, Raila declared his own candidacy.

“I have been called names, manipulated, and even sidelined. Yet today, people are asking, who is the real watermelon?” Kalonzo remarked.

He narrated how Raila, alongside Junet Mohamed, once visited his home to inform him that there would be interviews to choose Raila’s running mate.

Although many of his supporters advised him to reject the idea, Kalonzo agreed, citing humility and respect.

Kalonzo admitted he was disappointed when Raila eventually picked Martha Karua as his running mate. He had strongly believed a Raila-Kalonzo ticket was unbeatable.

“I told Raila, with Junet as witness, ‘Now I understand why Kenyans say you may never be president,’” he recalled.

Kalonzo also revealed he was not informed about the 2018 handshake between Raila and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Despite feeling betrayed, he said he chose not to hold grudges because of the struggles they had endured together.

Reflecting on Azimio’s role in Parliament, Kalonzo said he had pushed Raila to use their numbers to fight for the presidency.

Instead, Raila softened his stance after President William Ruto offered ODM experts roles in government.

“I have seen it all,” Kalonzo concluded.

“Despite the pain, Raila remains my friend. Politics is about patience, even when betrayal is part of the journey.”