Traits that make Kalonzo 'weak' are exactly what Kenya needs

For three decades, Kenyan politics has rewarded the loudest, the most erratic and the most ruthless. We have mistaken noise for strength, insults for courage and betrayal for strategy. That is why many have misread former Vice President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka.

They say he is too ethical. Too humble. Too soft. Where the loudest hyena gets the meat, humility is treated as weakness. Yet the traits we mocked are exactly what we need.

Kenya rewards the sharpest attack and the ability to turn every disagreement into a contest of strength. Humility is mistaken for weakness, diplomacy for indecisiveness and restraint for lack of ambition.

President William Ruto has built his identity around forceful rhetoric and aggressive mobilisation. He dominates the national conversation. Must a president be combative to be strong, or can a leader exercise authority through integrity, diplomacy and the ability to unite a divided nation?

From his days as a young Kanu operative to Foreign Minister to Vice President, Kalonzo has walked the corridors of power with clean hands. No corruption scandal. No ethnic incitement charge.

When Kenya needed a steady hand after the disputed 2007 election, Mwai Kibaki turned to Kalonzo as his number two. The Kibaki administration resuscitated the economy, delivered free primary education, rebuilt roads and restored dignity. Kalonzo helped stabilise that government at its most desperate hour.

James 4:10 captures his style: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you." Being down-to-earth, incorruptible and peaceable are not flaws; they are solid traits of leadership.

As a respected regional peacemaker, Kalonzo carries international exposure and diplomatic weight none of his rivals can claim.

Kalonzo has cultivated a different temperament. He is measured where others are confrontational, conciliatory where differences threaten to become permanent fissures, and patient where ambition pushes others into haste. He does not burn bridges or insult former allies. Supporters see character; critics see timidity. Yet after decades in public life, he remains a significant opposition figure whose experience, base and coalition record deserve examination.

Lucy Mworia, Deputy Treasurer, Ukombozi Coalition, says: "The former Vice President is a man of character, spiritually inclined, and unparalleled patriotism."

The quest for a better society requires sacrifice. In a multi-ethnic country, when an influential leader like Kalonzo rallies behind a candidate from another community, his people almost automatically follow.

In 2013 and 2017, he twice set aside his ambition to back Raila Odinga, giving the Opposition a solid Ukambani bloc. In 2022, anxiety hung over Raila's bid until Kalonzo agreed to back the Raila-Karua ticket. Both Uhuru and Raila knew that without him, the Ukambani vote was not assured.

Ceding ground for Martha Karua was selflessness in its clearest form. Supporting Raila for the third time, Kalonzo proved he is not an opportunist but a leader who puts the country before himself. In a culture where men would burn the country for a seat, he put coalition above ego.

He proved loyalty again. He walked with Raila not for a year or an election, but unconditionally - through wilderness years, betrayals, victories and defeats. When Baba breathed his last, Kalonzo did not mourn for cameras. He mourned like a brother. He took cows to Bondo. In Luo culture, that is not politics. That is family. He went to bury his brother, not to campaign.

He has never confronted Luos, never demanded, never threatened that "it is our turn." He has remained diplomatic and patient. Let us talk numbers, because sentiment does not win elections. Kalonzo has the most solid bloc: Makueni, Kitui and Machakos.

No one can take Ukambani from him. It is locked. And Kambas vote. In 2022, while Luo Nyanza left over 700,000 votes at home, Ukambani turned out to the last homestead. That discipline is electoral gold. Add a growing base at the Coast, Nairobi and Rift Valley, and you cannot write him off.

Unlike those who demand payback from Mt Kenya after Uhuru's 10 years, Kalonzo has never demanded to be voted for by Luos because he backed Raila. He has never weaponised loyalty.

Ruto's style helps him mobilise and command attention. Kalonzo offers a different proposition: That authority can be built through negotiation, consistency and patient relationship-building.

Whether that can deliver the economic transformation Kenyans demand is a question he must answer with a clear programme. His decades in public service give him a foundation, but they do not guarantee effective government. It would be a mistake to dismiss him because he is not combative.

If the Opposition is serious about challenging Ruto, it must ask not just who can command a rally, but who can build a coalition and govern a divided country. Kenyans called his humility a weakness. History will prove it is strength.

Kenyan public affairs commentator based in Washington, US