Opposition leader Raila Odinga might not contest for the Presidential seat in 2022 based on the agreement made during the formation of the National Super Alliace (NASA).
According to a clause in the NASA power-sharing deal which has finally been revealed, Mr Odinga is barred from running for presidency in 2022 if he decides to renew the agreement between him and the other principals.
“In the event of the renewal of the coalition agreement for a further term of five years, the coalition’s presidential candidate in the August 2017 elections shall not be eligible for nomination as a presidential candidate,” read the clause.
A section of legislators loyal to the ODM leader called for him not to renew the deal following the snub by other NASA leaders during his swearing-in on January 30.
However, other members of the coalition believed that the clause gives Raila a leeway come 2022.
“I think it is unfortunate that we allowed that clause to be there because it creates an escape route for him, not to back the others in 2022, provided that NASA is not there,” stated Ford Kenya deputy leader Boni Khalwale.
Raila stated in June that the Alliance will deal with its issues when they arise after being questioned whether he will honour the deal or not.
According to Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula, the talk of Raila’s 2022 bid is a well-planned strategy to end the coalition.
“Raila rocked Narc and later formed ODM. This has been the trend as after joining CORD, he said people were tired and wanted a change, and that we should switch to NASA. He has a history of rocking parties,” remarked the Bungoma Senator during an interview with Citizen TV.
This comes weeks after Mombasa County Governor Ali Hassan Joho revealed his desire to run for the presidency in 2022.
The ODM deputy party leader stated that he was consulting the likes of COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi into backing him for the position.
He further stated that he would hold a meeting with his party leader if he decides to go for the top seat.
