Raila Odinga on Monday, October 16, through his spokesperson Dennis Onyango refuted reports that he endorsed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be Azimio coalition’s next presidential candidate.
In the statement, the coalition noted that Raila’s praise to Kalonzo was not intended to mean that he had made the decision to quit active politics.
Further, Azimio stated that the coalition would not reveal its 2027 presidential candidate until months before the election.
“Odinga views Azimio as a coalition of equals, in which every leader stands a fair and equal chance to emerge as the presidential candidate in 2027, depending on each leader’s relationship with the party membership.
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That candidate will however not be named until a year or just months before the 2027 election,” the statement read in part.
It’s too Early
The Azimio boss noted that it was too early for the coalition to name the next presidential candidate as there are 4 more years until the next elections.
“Raila Odinga recognizes that four years before Kenyans go for another presidential election is way too early for a political party to name its presidential candidate,” the statement further read.
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Moreover, the party leader said that he praised Kalonzo for always being there with him in the past general elections
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“Mr. Odinga therefore clarifies his praise for Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, the Wiper leader’s strong Christian values and the support he has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr. Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027,” he noted.
Notably, according to the statement, the praise was an acknowledgment and appreciation of Kalonzo’s past deeds that are in public domain.
Raila’s Support
Azimio Party Leader on Sunday, October 15 hinted at supporting the Wiper leader in the next general election.
“We will stand firm with Kalonzo since he is faithful,” Raila said.
Moreover, the Azimio leader also said either he or Kalonzo would vie for presidency in the 2027 general elections.
“Last time I heard Ruto saying that Raila won’t vie so I will have time for Kalonzo, either of us will vie,” he stated.
Further, Raila while expressing his gratitude to Kalonzo on Sunday, described him as a gentleman who stood by him in the past election even though he was not nominated as his running mate.
