Azimio Leader Raila Odinga on Saturday broke his silence over his likelihood of endorsing Kalonzo Musyoka as the flag bearer ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing a congregation at a burial service in Kitui County, Odinga stated that it was too early to endorse the coalition's flag bear, noting that he was still an active player in politics.
“What is the problem if Kalonzo is the candidate? I did not say Kalonzo cannot be a candidate. I just said we came from far with Kalonzo, he supported me and I can also support him,” Raila stated.
“I also did not say I have quit politics. When I quit, I will come out and say it."
Odinga stated that besides Kalonzo, there were several other candidates from the coalition interested in taking over the mantle.
Raila further stated that the coalition would soon agree on a titular candidate to take over the mandate of spearheading the coalition.
"When I am away, Kalonzo takes charge but I want people to wait. We have Eugene Wamalwa (former Water CS), (former Kakamega Governor) Wycliffe Oparanya, (Roots Party leader) George Wajackoyah and (Narc Kenya leader) Martha Karua, all of whom want it," the Orange Democratic Movement leader noted.
The former Prime Minister also dismissed allegations of division in Azimio, noting that they were geared towards causing anxiety in the coalition. According to Raila, the coalition leaders were still reading from the same script.
“Kalonzo has been my long-time friend. When people see Kalonzo walking with Eugene Wamalwa, they begin to say that Azimio is breaking up. When Raila goes to ODM recruitment, they claim Azimio is divided," the Azimio leader noted.
“Every party in Azimio knows its role. For instance, Wiper has authority, Eugene’s DAP too as well as Jubilee and even ODM. When the affiliate parties have energy, then that is when Azimio is energized."
Odinga's sentiments come a fortnight after he dismissed allegations of dissension in the coalition. Speaking in Lamu County on January 23, Odinga claimed the rumours were being spread by irresponsible media.
“We don’t want the media to spread unnecessary and irresponsible propaganda. Azimio has remained intact except for a few members of parliament who decided to take a walk. There is no dissension,” Raila stated.
In October last year, Raila dismissed claims of endorsing Kalonzo as the flag bearer. Odinga indicated that it was too early to endorse a flag bearer.
He further explained that his praise of the Wiper leader during the celebration of Oburu Odinga's birthday was only to affirm the past support Kalonzo accorded the coalition.
"Odinga therefore clarifies that his praise for H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, the Wiper leader's strong Christian values and the support Mr. Musyoka has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr. Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027," read part of a statement by Raila Odinga.
"Rather, the praise was an acknowledgment and appreciation of past deeds that are in the public domain."
