Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has hinted at not vying in the 2027 general elections and instead throw his weight behind Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The opposition chief sent the signal while addressing mourners on Saturday, February 10, during a burial ceremony of Kalonzo’s brother-in-law in Kitui County.
“They are saying that Kalonzo will announce his candidature in the elections. How about baba? Baba must vie.
No, we shall come to an agreement. If Kalonzo is the candidate where is the problem?” posed the opposition leader.
His sentiments were met by cheers from the crowd as he further maintained that the Azimio coalition is intact despite the murmurs about division.
Raila on supporting Kalonzo
Raila maintained that the Wiper leader is suitable for vying for the presidency while acknowledging the number of times he has supported him in past general elections.
“I haven’t said Kalonzo cannot be a candidate, we have come from far with him and he has supported me severally. I can also support him,” he added as the crowd cheered again.
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However, the former Prime Minister insisted that he is still active in politics, urging his critics to be patient.
He further said that the Azimio coalition is united and will be holding discussions to agree on one candidate who shall face off with President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.
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Raila was flanked by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Prof. George Wajackoya.
Odinga’s remarks came amid simmering fallout within his camp over who will be its candidate in the elections.
Earlier in January, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka affirmed his intentions to run for the presidency in 2027.
Azimio woes
While speaking in an interview, the former vice president said he will not support former Odinga for the fourth time.
According to him, giving up his presidential ambitions in favor of Raila would signal his retirement from politics.
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“Giving up my presidential ambition will actually mean I go home. It is as simple as that,” said Kalonzo.
While addressing reports of division within the coalition, Odinga slammed the media, blaming the fourth estate for spreading misinformation.
While speaking in Lamu on January 22, he explained that the opposition was intact.
“The leadership of Azimio is intact, there is no disagreement anywhere in Azimio,” he noted.
Likewise, the ODM leader while admitting that there might be disagreements within the opposition parties, also said it doesn’t mean Azimio is breaking up.
