Raila did not endorse Kalonzo for 2027 presidential elections – Spokesperson
On Sunday, October 15, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga commended Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a gathering held during his elder brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga’s birthday celebration in Bondo.
Raila expressed his confidence in Musyoka’s statesmanship and trustworthiness, emphasising his commitment to the Azimio coalition.
He remarked, “Mr Musyoka was trustworthy. Twice, we sought the top leadership of this country, and we never lost. Our victory was snatched from us by some forces. In the last general election, he was not chosen as a candidate, but he believed in the cause and remained steadfast in the Azimio coalition.”
Kalonzo reciprocated the praise by stating that the candidate challenging Dr Ruto in the 2027 elections will face a relatively smooth path to State House, given the current state of affairs in the country.
He noted, “Whoever contests in 2027, as Baba puts it, will have a walk in the park because Kenyans are already tired due to the high cost of living.”
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In a statement dated October 16, Dennis Onyango, Azimio leader Raila’s spokesperson, clarified Raila’s remarks, stating that it is too early for any political party to name its presidential candidate four years before the next presidential election.
The former Prime Minister’s praise for Kalonzo, according to the statement, was not an endorsement of the Wiper leader as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027.
“Rather, the praise was an acknowledgment and appreciation of past deeds that are in public domain. Mr 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. That candidate will, however, not be named until a year or just months to the 2027 election,” Onyango stated.
Raila further assured Azimio supporters and the nation that he intends to remain actively involved in party and national politics until 2027.
His words of praise for Musyoka were not intended to suggest that he had any plans to exit active politics.
Adding, “Mr Musyoka has what it takes to beat Hon Wiliam Ruto in a free and fair presidential contest, contrary to Mr Ruto’s recent claim that he would easily beat the Wiper leader.”
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