Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Alliance faces a big test amid looming tussle among its top principals over presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
Signs of the impending battle that could split the opposition coalition are already emerging, with some chiefs declaring their candidature, more than three years to the polls.
ODM boss Raila Odinga and Wiper chief Kalonzo Musyoka have emerged as the top contenders to fly the opposition flag.
Already, Kalonzo has declared he will not back Raila – for a fourth time – and would go all the way to the ballot.
“Giving up my presidential ambition (for Raila) will mean I go home. It's as simple as that. Giving up my presidential ambition is not an option,” Kalonzo said.
While Raila has not outrightly announced his interest in the seat, his latest political moves have left no doubt that he intends to make a sixth stab at the presidency.
The former prime minister has embarked on revamping his political vehicle – ODM – with massive party membership registration that is set to culminate in grassroots elections later this year.
Raila has been rejuvenating his political turfs, aggressively pinpointing at what he believes are failures by President William Ruto's administration.
“Raila has never stopped vying. If Raila does not contend, then that is news for me, if Raila vies then that is no news,” ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola told the Star.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said, “I can assure you that when it comes to 2027, ODM will have a presidential candidate and that candidate will be brought forward through the party’s structure, if he is Raila, he will be our candidate."
Should Raila declare his candidature, the opposition would face serious unity test in its face-off with Ruto ahead of the general election.
Kalonzo, who has been under intense pressure from his lieutenants to fly the Azimio flag, said he is ready to take charge of the leadership of the country.
“I was ready in 2002 and 2013. Why do you think I will not be ready in 2027, when in fact the country seems to be speaking in unison? William Ruto himself announced my candidature in Homa Bay completely unsolicited. Even William Ruto might end up giving me his vote,” Kalonzo said.
The former vice president’s allies have declared that his name must be on the presidential ballot in 2027 and demanded support of Raila and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
On Monday, Senate Deputy Minority leader Enoch Wambua said Kalonzo is best placed to floor Ruto in the presidential contest in 2027.
“Kalonzo will be the Azimio-OKA presidential candidate in 2027 with the full backing of Baba Raila Odinga, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and the galaxy of Azimio-OKA principals,” he said in a statement.
The Kitui senator reckoned that Kalonzo has demonstrated credentials to not only beat Ruto but also correct the 'mess' deliberately brought by his administration.
He said the Wiper fraternity is on a mission and shall demonstrate in word and deed that Kalonzo is the right leader to take over and fix the mess.
Wambua described Kalonzo as an honest, trustworthy and incorruptible leader whom Ruto cannot beat in an open presidential contest.
“Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka must be prepared and get ready to put Kenya on the path of national cohesion, political stability, and economic recovery,” he said.