• Raila said that he only praised Kalonzo for his strong decision to support him in successive elections.
• He clarified that his remarks did not means he intends to quit active politics.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/X
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has come out to clarify media reports that he endorsed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Monday, Raila said that he only praised Kalonzo for his strong decision to support him in successive elections.
He insisted the praise was acknowledgement and appreciation of his good deeds.
He clarified that his remarks did not mean that he intended to quit active politics.
"In his speech, Odinga clarifies that his praises for H.E Kalonzo Musyoka for standing with him in three successive elections, his strong Christian values and the support Musyoka has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027," the statement by Raila's spokesperson Dennis Onyango reads.
"His words of praise for Mr Musyoka were therefore not intended to mean he had or intends to quit active politics."
The former Prime Minister noted that it is too early for any political party to name its presidential candidate as Kenyans have four years before going for the next general election.
Raila said Azimio remains a coalition of equals where every leader stands a fair and equal chance to become the 2027 flagbearer depending on their relationship with party members.
"That candidate will, however, not be named until a year or just months to the 2027 election."
Raila, however, noted that he believes Kalonzo has what it takes to defeat President William Ruto in a free and fair presidential contest, contrary to Ruto's recent claim that he would easily defeat Kalonzo.
He further assured Azimio supporters that he intends to remain active in party and national politics up to 2027.
On Sunday, Raila showered Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka with praises for standing with him in his political journey.
He said Kalonzo has stood firm with him despite not being selected as his running mate in the August 9, 2022, presidential elections.
"Kalonzo has a good heart, hardworking and one you can trust, he is also a Christian. He is trustworthy and loving," Raila said.
"The other day, I heard President Ruto saying that he knows I will not contest and he is ready for Kalonzo. He talks about Kalonzo as if he is Kalonzo. Kalonzo is ten times better than him, he only wants to pit us against each other."