Central Organisations of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has opined that Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is messing his chance of being fronted as Raila Odinga's running mate.
Speaking in Khwisero Sub County on Saturday, April 16, Atwoli stated that too many demands being issued by Kalonzo through his cronies would bottle up his opportunity of being picked in the Azimio la Umoja Kenya Kwanza presidential lineup.
The COTU boss further castigated Kalonzo noting that his too many public demands had triggered unwanted tension in the coalition.
Atwoli instead advised the former Vice President to seek dialogue with top Azimio leaders including President Uhuru Kenyatta and the ODM leader to iron out the thorny issues in the coalition.
"I know Kalonzo as an important figure in the coalition and he should focus on building confidence and make people vote for the coalition. Too many conditions will make someone who was to give him deputy president position think twice,” he stated.
Atwoli maintained that Kalonzo should desist from staging sideshows but instead stick to his promise of supporting Raila for the presidential seat unconditionally.
The vocal leader insisted that Azimio's main target was to clinch the presidency seat during the August polls.
Atwoli's sentiments come after conflict started brewing within the movement - with Kalonzo allies led by Kitui South Senator Enoch Wambua and former Transport CAS Wavinya Ndeti demanding that Raila picks Wiper leader as his running mate.
However, while hosting Raila at a church event in the Mwingi West constituency, the former Vice President stated he was comfortable with whichever decision the coalition makes.
He noted that Kenya’s future was more important than individual political positions, pouring cold water on recent remarks by Deputy President William Ruto that Odinga had reneged on a deal to support Musyoka in this year’s presidential election.
"I want to say it here categorically that whatever formation you come up with, it is time for Raila to become the President of Kenya. I commend you for resilience and your ability to stand strong for many years," Kalonzo stated.
