In a vote at Bunge, two people stood out: Babu Owino and Kalonzo Musyoka. Their significance goes beyond the immediate political contest. They represent a fundamental principle in politics that is often ignored when power is being negotiated: loyalty matters, and those who stand with you when the political stakes are high must not be forgotten when the rewards are being distributed.
In politics, popularity attracts crowds, political convenience attracts temporary allies, but loyalty builds enduring partnerships. The true test of leadership is not how many people surround you when victory appears certain, but how many remain standing when defeat, isolation or political persecution becomes a real possibility.
When it was neither easy nor convenient, Babu Owino and Kalonzo Musyoka stood out in the political moment surrounding Rigathi Gachagua as he faced the sword. Whatever their individual motivations, whether conviction, political strategy or self preservation, their actions carried political significance. They made choices when silence might have been the safer option, and that is a reality any serious political strategist must appreciate.
Rigathi Gachagua must therefore keep a clear record of those who added value to his political journey when doing so was difficult. Political memory is an essential ingredient of political survival. Those who supported you when the political weather was hostile deserve consideration when opportunities arise to build alliances, distribute responsibilities and shape the country’s future.
This is not to suggest that political rewards should be automatic, nor that public office should become compensation for personal loyalty. Leadership must ultimately serve the people. However, political partnerships are built on trust, reciprocity and a shared understanding that sacrifices made along the journey will not be dismissed once the destination comes into view.
There were others who could have taken a similar position but chose not to. Politics is a game of choices, and every choice carries consequences. Those who calculate that neutrality is always the safest option must understand that history also records the moments when they chose not to stand up.
Political circumstances change rapidly. Yesterday’s adversaries can become tomorrow’s allies, and today’s allies can become tomorrow’s opponents. That is precisely why political leadership requires both strategic foresight and a long memory. The alliances being forged today may determine who commands the political conversation tomorrow.
As Kenya prepares for the next chapter of its democratic journey, popularity and acceptability will remain critical ingredients of electoral success. Babu Owino has demonstrated the political relevance that makes him a serious contender for greater responsibility. His journey towards the Nairobi governorship deserves attention, particularly if he can translate his popularity into a compelling programme for leadership and service.
Kalonzo Musyoka, on the other hand, represents a different but equally important political proposition. His experience, networks and longstanding presidential ambitions place him in the conversation about Kenya’s next national leadership. His opportunity to occupy the highest office should not be dismissed in the calculations of those seeking to shape a winning political arrangement.
When the history of this country is eventually written, two names must occupy meaningful space in the unfolding political story: Babu Owino, with the possibility of becoming Nairobi Governor, and Kalonzo Musyoka, with a legitimate claim to a place in the presidential contest.
In Wamunyoro’s political calculations, these two must not miss. Loyalty should be remembered, political value recognised, and the future negotiated with an understanding that those who help complete the journey matter just as much as those who celebrate the destination.
