Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, has altered his mind on endorsing Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for President in 2027.
Raila disputed allegations that he endorsed Kalonzo as Azimio’s presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election in a statement signed by his Personal Assistant, Dennis Onyango.
Raila believes that endorsing a flag bearer is premature.
He went on to say that his admiration of the Wiper leader during Oburu Odinga’s birthday celebration was only to reaffirm Kalonzo’s previous support for the coalition.
“Odinga therefore clarifies that his praise for H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, the Wiper leader’s strong Christian values, and the support Mr. Musyoka has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr. Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027,” according to a part of the statement.
“Rather, the praise was an acknowledgment and appreciation of past deeds that are in the public domain.”
The former Prime Minister went on to say that the decision to designate a flag bearer would be made only when the time was appropriate and the leader in question had demonstrated a proven track record with party membership.
“According to Odinga, Azimio is a coalition of equals in which each leader has a fair and equal chance of becoming the presidential candidate in 2027, depending on each leader’s relationship with the party membership.” That candidate, however, will not be named until a year or so before the 2027 election,” he continued.
“Odinga, on the other hand, believes that Mr. Musyoka has what it takes to defeat Hon. William Ruto in a free and fair presidential election, contrary to Mr. Ruto’s recent claim that he would easily defeat the Wiper leader.” Odinga also assures Azimio supporters and the country that he intends to remain very active in party and national politics until 2027.
“His words of praise for Mr. Musyoka were therefore not intended to mean he had or intends to quit active politics,” the statement went on to say.
The former Prime Minister appeared to endorse Kalonzo during his speech in Siaya County, according to the press.
