Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday hinted at the possibility of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka being the Azimio flagbearer in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking in Siaya County during his brother Oburu Odinga's birthday celebrations, the former Prime Minster disclosed that either him or Kalonzo will carry the coalition's torch in what is expected to be a hotly contested election.
Raila also seized the opportunity to defend Kalonzo from jabs thrown by President William Ruto, where the Head of State claimed that if Kalonzo is endorsed as the Coalition's flagbearer, he was likely to emerge victorious.
The opposition leader further dismissed Ruto's assertions that the President had supported him more than Kalonzo and threw his weight behind his co-principal.
“This man we have stood with him together since the KANU regime, we went ahead together to NDP, we went to NARC and even to ODM and we have stood with him twice fighting,” Raila said.
Raila further lauded the Wiper Party leader for remaining loyal to him and the political formation despite its failure to clinch the presidency.
Odinga noted that despite Kalonzo missing out on the running mate position, he still remained loyal and backed his State House bid.
“The man has courage, he is someone to believe in, he is a Christian, a humble guy, and loving, last time I heard Ruto saying that Raila won't vie so I will have time for Kalonzo,” Raila said.
The former Prime Minister accused President Ruto of attempting to drive a wedge between him and Kalonzo with his recent comments.
According to Odinga, Kalonzo supported him twice in his attempts to clinch the top seat, adding that he would reciprocate the support in future
Odinga's sentiments come a week after Kalonzo responded to Ruto's criticism.
While addressing congregants at a church in Mwingi Township, Kitui County, Musyoka dismissed Ruto's appeal to Raila to support him in 2027 since the Head of State backed him in 2007.
At the time, Kalonzo maintained he is more deserving of Raila's support for sticking with him through thick and thin as opposed to Ruto who only supported him in 2007.
