I am Raila’s obvious deputy – Kalonzo
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.
He said that among other things, his party will be eyeing the deputy position in the Azimio government should Raila win the August 9 general election.
"We are looking for the deputy president position. We don't want to talk about the obvious," Kalonzo asserted.
Kalonzo's statement comes amid opposition from some quarters within Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition who view him as a latecomer and hence cannot be given the running mate position.
Those in the opposition are of the view that the post should be preserved for the Mt Kenya region as Raila seeks to appease the region in return for their votes.
Leaders who have been lined up as Raila's possible running mate from Mt Kenya include Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Agriculture CS Peter Munya and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
This, therefore, means that Kalonzo's demand for the running mate position might complicate Raila's quest to get votes from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Jubilee Party vice-chair David Murathe had, however, previously given leeway for Kalonzo to be Raila's deputy.
Murathe said that the entry of the Wiper leader into the coalition had altered Raila's automatic chances of appointing a deputy from the Mt Kenya region.
The vice-chair was categorical that if Raila's chances of winning the election were dependent on Kalonzo being his running mate, then the Azimio side will give him the position.
“As Mt Kenya, we are not so keen on the Number Two but our fair share of government,” Murathe said adding: “If that is what it will take to bring Kalonzo, so be it."
