Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political allies have declared their support for Azimio leader Raila Odinga as the coalition’s flag bearer in the 2027 polls, a move that is likely to unsettle the arithmetic within the opposition.
The former prime minister is 77 years now. He will be 82 years in 2027 if he decides to make a sixth stab at the presidency.
Sources within Azimio say that Raila is open to the idea of vying for the presidency and is unlikely to cede ground to his key allies Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya who have all declared interest in the presidency.
The 2010 Constitution does not have a maximum age for running for the presidency.
“For now, a lot will depend on party leader Raila Odinga, I can tell you if he decides to run again, some of us will support him, but in his own way if he decides to support another person, we will follow. He is the leader, so will be looking up to him to provide the leadership and the guidance in terms of the next dispensation,” former Jubilee vice chair David Murathe has said.
“In the absence of anybody else coming forward, he remains our candidate. It is the question of who can tilt the scales in their favour. And, as it is right now, it is only Raila who can do that because there will be a lot of disaffection against Ruto in Mt Kenya,” said Murathe.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has also supported Raila’s bid.
“Certainly, there will be more people announcing their intentions to run in 2027. Mr Wamalwa and others wanting to run does not take away the fact that Raila remains our preferred presidential candidate,” the former Ndaragwa MP said.
“The coalition succession is among the issues that should be mentioned by the party leader. I am not privy to any decision made as I have not sat in any such meeting. But you will start witnessing a lot of activities from January,” Mr Kioni added.
