Former Kiambu Governor, William Kabogo, has revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta referred to former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, as the fifth President of Kenya at a private event.
While appearing on Spice FM's breakfast show, dubbed the Situation Room on Tuesday, January 11, Kabogo disclosed that Uhuru referred to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader as the fifth during Raila’s private birthday party held at his Karen home on Friday, January 7.
Kabogo, a close ally of Uhuru, added that it was clear that Raila was the President's preferred candidate for the country's top job.
"The other day at the birthday party, I am told he said hello to the fifth. You do not need more signals," stated Kabogo.
The statement by the former Kiambu Governor comes after photos of Uhuru attending the private birthday party of Raila made rounds on social media.
From the photos, the President was pictured sitting next to Raila at a round table that also had National Assembly Majority Leader, Amos Kinunya, and nominated MP Maina Kamanda.
According to media reports, attendants at the party were not allowed to use their phones to take photographs or videos.
"When President Kenyatta arrived at the function, all guests were ordered not to take any photographs or videos until he left the party," stated a media report.
As the interview progressed, Kabogo added that Uhuru's influence in Raila's presidential bid was evident, hinting that Uhuru played a part in crafting Azimio la Umoja.
"Who is holding the hidden card in Azimio? Is Tinga (Raila) himself? Is he himself? And who is he speaking to?
"You cannot now run away from the fact that Tinga is Uhuru's candidate. You cannot run away from that. If you are a seasoned politician, you should see it," added Kabogo.
However, the former governor urged the ODM party leader to widen his discussions with other leaders from the vote-rich region who will still be in active politics after the retirement of Uhuru.
"We respect Uhuru as a national leader and a leader in the mountain. Be it as it may, his term is coming to an end and there is nothing that he will do in the 11th or 12th year that he has not done in the nine or 10 years that he will have in July."
"So if Tinga is discussing future succession, he should be discussing with the future. We are the future," he stated.
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