Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also the Azimio One Kenya Presidential flag-bearer was over the weekend forced to convene an urgent crisis meeting at COTU boss Francis Atwoli’s home in Kajiado.
Reports indicate that the meeting held on 10 April 2022 was to iron out a few issues which are threatening the coalition with different parties pulling in opposite directions and reducing Odinga’s chances of victory.
The host, Atwoli, who spoke to the media confirmed the same, stating that the meeting was to put a few things in place and chart the way forward in order to unveil a united front and sweep to victory.
Top on the agenda at the deliberations was ways of ensuring the coalition remains united before, during and after the elections.
Participants at the crisis meeting included Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Jubilee Vice-chair David Murathe, Azimio Executive Director Raphael Tuju and Jubilee Majority Whip Emmanuel Wangwe.
The crisis meeting comes at a time when deep divisions have emerged with different parties tabling their demands.
Among the issues that have rocked the Azimio boat is zoning of areas and nomination of candidate.
The running mate question has also caused ripples in Mt Kenya and Ukambani regions, with leaders from the two laying claim on the post.
Most recently over the weekend, a section of Jubilee politicians renewed calls for the running mate slot to be reserved for the Mt Kenya region. Led by Nakuru Governor, Lee Kinyanjui, the leaders want Central Kenya to be represented on the negotiation table since President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to retire in August when his second and final term ends.
“We are not blind followers, the region of Mt.Kenya expects nothing short of the deputy president, it doesn’t matter who it is, we began this journey while others did not want anything to deal with Baba, now after they have joined is when they want a seat at the high table. We are not here by chance but by choice,” Kinyanjui stated.
Other leaders have also been fronted as best suitors to deputise Raila Odinga including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Peter Kenneth, Agriculture CS Peter Munya and NARC Kenya’s Martha Karua. Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua also threw his hat in the ring, asking the former Prime Minister to consider him for the esteemed position.
“I believe this country needs the experience of a statesman and the ability of a youthful person. I’m 51 years old very happy, and very youthful and therefore, I present myself for consideration as the running mate to Raila Odinga,” he stated.
