Azimio Principal Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday dismissed President William Ruto's request to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for support in the 2027 presidential race, finding humour in Ruto's plea to have Raila reciprocate the support he received from the Head of State in 2007.
Speaking while addressing congregants at Mwingi Township, Kitui County, Kalonzo maintained that he has supported Raila in his political journey more than President Ruto has, hence in his opinion, he is more deserving of the former Prime Minister's support in 2027.
In cheeky fashion, Kalonzo called for a poll to be conducted in the Nyanza region to determine who has supported Raila more between the two.
“Today I have seen the current President William Ruto saying that he will compete with me in 2027,” Kalonzo said.
The Wiper Party leader said that in the coming days, he will travel to Kisumu to conduct the poll himself.
This comes after President William Ruto on Saturday, October 7 asked Raila, who was once a close ally, to reciprocate the support he received in 2007 by supporting his State House bid in 2027.
"For him to be today referred to as former Prime Minister, I am the one who helped put him in office," Ruto stated.
"I was an ardent Baba supporter together with others, we came together and supported him but unfortunately, we never clinched the Presidency. I have voted for Baba and I am calling on him to support me in 2027,” Ruto said in Homa Bay.
Ruto while exuding confidence in his re-election chances in 2027, noted no politician poses a significant threat to his bid.
“If Raila will not be running, my competitor will be Kalonzo, but really will he manage to mount a serious challenge?" President Ruto posed to Homa Bay residents.
In 2007, President William Ruto was part of the Pentagon, a group of regional kingpins from across the country who were supporting Raila's presidential bid as the latter sought to unseat former President Mwai Kibaki.
Meanwhile, neither Raila or Kalonzo are yet to comment on who between them will be the Azimio flagbearer come 2027.
