Azimio One Kenya Presidential flag-bearer, Raila Odinga, on Sunday, April 10, convened an urgent meeting at COTU boss Francis Atwoli's home in Kajiado ahead of the August 9 polls.
Media reports indicate that the aim of the meeting was to iron out a few issues which are threatening the coalition. Atwoli, who spoke to the media revealed that the meeting was to put a few things in place and chart the way forward in order to unveil a united front.
Among the key issues, they discussed include ways of ensuring the coalition remains united before, during and after the elections.
The leaders who attended the meeting included Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Jubilee Vice-chair David Murathe, Azimio Executive Director Raphael Tuju and Jubilee Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe.
The meeting comes on the backdrop of emerging issues that have threatened the unity of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Among the issues include the running mate question which has caused ripples in Mt Kenya and Ukambani regions, with leaders from the two laying claim on the post.
Over the weekend, a section of Jubilee politicians renewed calls for the running mate slot to be reserved for the Mt Kenya region. Led by Nakuru Governor, Lee Kinyanjui, the leaders want Central Kenya to be represented on the negotiation table since President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to retire in August when his second and final term ends.
“We are not blind followers, the region of Mt.Kenya expects nothing short of the deputy president, it doesn't matter who it is, we began this journey while others did not want anything to deal with Baba, now after they have joined is when they want a seat at the high table. We are not here by chance but by choice,” Kinyanjui stated during a recent tour in Nakuru county.
Other leaders have also been fronted as best suitors to deputise Raila Odinga including Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, Peter Kenneth, Agriculture CS Peter Munya and NARC Kenya's Martha Karua. Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua also threw his hat in the ring, asking the former Prime Minister to consider him for the esteemed position.
"I believe this country needs the experience of a statesman and the ability of a youthful person. I'm 51 years old very happy, and very youthful and therefore, I present myself for consideration as the running mate to Raila Odinga," he stated.
Another burning issue that appears to have set Azimio's tent on fire is nomination and how partner parties will field candidates in the coming elections. Already, several disgruntled parties have rejected Odinga's zoning proposal, forcing the former Prime Minister to state that parties will be allowed to field candidates anywhere across the country.
The ongoing ODM nominations across the country have also been characterized by chaos and protests, with some aspirants threatening to lead a mass walkout from the Orange party.
Besides finding suitable men and women to fly the ODM flag in the do-or-die August elections, it is also a delicate balancing act for Odinga who must at all costs, avert the looming sibling rivalry within Azimio, that could mirror what happened to the defunct NASA coalition during 2017 polls.
