Former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Kanu leader Gideon Moi walked down from the high table and lazily waved at some ANC supporters, their faces betraying their surprise at the turn of events at Bomas of Kenya.
They were on their way out on a day they suffered significant embarrassment, they might not soon wish on anyone else.
Unaware that their One Kenya Alliance (OKA) colleague Musalia Mudavadi had invited hitherto political co-nemesis Deputy President William Ruto to grace the ANC National Delegates Convention, the two had earlier sat, savouring the lively ambience in the auditorium as they waited for the host to arrive.
However, what they got was not what they had purchased. With strong indications Ruto was on the way after a group of allies began arriving, they did not have any option but to walk out before they could find themselves deeper in ignominy.
Their foot soldiers, except the new entrant to OKA William Kabogo, joined them as they fled from the scene. Those who accompanied them out included Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and businessman Jimi Wanjigi.
New alliance.
Their walkout did not, however, stop the event as it proceeded as planned, although it was to be spiced with hits and misses, that pointed at the uncertainty that had defined it the whole week.
Musalia while giving out his speech blasted Kalonzo and Moi terming them as political liars.
Once he was done with his declaration, Mudavadi had already embraced Ruto and held hands aloft together with Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula to signify the dawn of a new alliance.
Kabogo, the Jibebe Wakenya party leader, joined them.
Ruto and Mudavadi wore similar black suits except for different ties, reminiscing times back when he put up a similar show with President Uhuru Kenyatta after winning the 2013 elections.
