Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka insists that he is the right person to deputize the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the coming election.
Speaking during the launch of the Wiper People Living with Disability organ on Tuesday, the former vice president said that he would not wish to discuss the possibility of being Raila’s running mate in the coming elections because the “position was obviously reversed” for him.
Its believed that Raila has been eyeing a running mate from Mt Kenya as part of a broader strategy to chip away Ruto’s support in the region.
Over two weeks ago, Kalonzo said he was ready to forgo the running mate position if he is assured of a third of government.
It is not however clear how the Wiper leader would be accommodated in Azimio if he misses the position.
There have been speculations that he could be handed the position of chief minister to coordinate all ministries.
There is also speculations that he could be headed to the National Assembly as Speaker.
Kalonzo was the ODM leader Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2013 and 2017 elections.
Kitui, Makueni and Machakos counties, which form Mr Musyoka’s political base, gave Mr Odinga 900,405 votes out of the 1,068,684 who had registered in 2013. The tally jumped to 968,437 in 2017.
Mr Musyoka’s demands have a bearing on President Kenyatta’s Mt Kenya bloc. The region has demanded the running mate post too, saying, its share of government positions should be commensurate with the number of votes it would bring to the basket.
Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui have been proposed as Mr Odinga’s running mates.
Those pushing for a Mt Kenya running mate say Mr Musyoka is a late arrival to the coalition.
Wiper supporters, however, say the Raila-Kalonzo ticket—which got 44 per cent of the votes in 2013 and 2017 — is a sure bet for the presidency.
