Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, has categorically denied rumors suggesting that he is endorsing Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, as the coalition’s presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued by Odinga’s spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, on Monday, it was clarified that the praise for Kalonzo Musyoka should not be misconstrued as an official endorsement for the 2027 political race, particularly considering that the elections are still four years away.
“Mr. Odinga therefore clarifies that his praise for H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, the Wiper leader’s strong Christian values, and the support Mr. Musyoka has garnered across the country was not an endorsement of Mr. Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027,” a part of the statement read.
“Rather, the praise was an acknowledgment and appreciation of past deeds that are well-documented in the public domain.”
Odinga emphasized that the coalition is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all potential presidential candidates and that the official announcement of the coalition’s candidate will only come closer to the 2027 elections.
As per the statement, Odinga expressed confidence that should they both run in the election, Kalonzo Musyoka would have the upper hand against Hon. William Ruto.
“Mr. Odinga, however, believes that Mr. Musyoka possesses the qualities needed to outperform Hon. William Ruto in a transparent and equitable presidential contest, countering Mr. Ruto’s recent claim of an easy victory over the Wiper leader,” Onyango added.
“Mr. Odinga further reassures Azimio supporters and the nation that he intends to stay actively engaged in party and national politics until the 2027 elections.”
These statements follow Odinga’s recent remarks made during a birthday celebration for Siaya senator Oburu Oginga in Bondo, Siaya County. There, Odinga accused President Ruto of attempting to sow division within the coalition by speculating falsely about Kalonzo’s candidacy in 2027. Odinga asserted that they stand firmly with the Wiper leader.
This reaction was prompted by Ruto’s earlier comments on October 8, where he asserted that Raila Odinga owes him a political debt and should repay it by supporting him in the 2027 General Elections, where Ruto plans to seek re-election.
“I voted for ‘Agwambo’ (Raila Odinga), and he has never voted for me. I will now await his vote in the 2027 General Elections because if he’s not running, I will be running alongside Kalonzo Musyoka,” Ruto stated during a visit to Homa Bay.
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