In what appears to be ceding ground, the Wiper party now holds that former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka will no longer make demands to become the running mate for the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition party.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has revealed that the party had resolved to give former Prime Minister Raila Odinga the space of choosing his running mate without any pressure.
He explained that the decision on the running mate would only be taken by the Azimio flag bearer who has the burden lying on his shoulders.
"For us where we have come as Wiper, a firm decision has been taken. Going forward you will not hear us pushing anyone to give us any position.
We shall let the presidential candidate choose the person he believes will help him win the presidency because the burden is with him," he told KTN News on Monday, April 25.
However, the Senator, a confidant of Kalonzo, stated that they would only make a statement after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga picks his running mate.
"We will sit back and wait for him to make the decision and then see what happens after that. No more pressure. You will not hear anyone of us demanding anything," Wambua stated.
Wambua stated that Kalonzo was best suited for the role given his experience and political backing from his Ukambani backyard.
"In Wiper, we know about our strength. Politics is a game of numbers. The numbers within our fraternity are close to three million votes," the Senator explained.
Pressure is already mounting on Raila to name his running mate with the Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) April 28 deadline fast-approaching.
Already, the Azimio la Umoja has opposed the directive by Wafula Chebukati-led team requiring presidential candidates to name their deputies by Thursday.
The Raila-led faction had written to the electoral body seeking an extension after forming an advisory panel to pick a suitable running mate for the ODM boss.
Chebukati postponed a meeting with Azimio leaders scheduled for Monday, April 25 in honour of the late President Mwai Kibaki. The meeting is slated for Tuesday, April 26.
Among other leaders fronted as Raila's running mate are Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, Former Gatanga Member of Parliament Peter Kenneth.
