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Raila said that he only praised Kalonzo for his strong decision to support him in successive elections.
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He insisted the praise was acknowledgement and appreciation of his good deeds.
Image: FILE
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has said Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has the potential to carry the Azimio flag as its Presidential candidate.
Wandayi, however, said the time for the coalition to appoint who will be their flag bearer is not yet nigh.
He said the media misconstrued the praises Azimio Chief Raila Odinga heaped on Kalonzo and published headlines and commentaries alluding that Raila had endorsed Kalonzo.
"Baba was simply making a commitment that as the Azimio family we shall continue to remain together and support one another. Especially those of us who have remained steadfast like Kalonzo," Wandayi said.
"That does not mean that Kalonzo Musyoka is not competent enough to be the Presidential candidate for Azimio. Kalonzo is eminently qualified to fly the Azimio flag as a presidential candidate, not only in 2027 but also any other time."
He spoke on Tuesday during an interview with Spice FM.
Wandayi explained that Raila's remarks ought to be put in context. He said on that particular Sunday, Kalonzo had been the Chief and special guest at Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga's 80th birthday party in Bondo.
He said Kalonzo as the chief guest went to the event in style, in the company of a very large entourage comprising governors from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni.
Kalonzo was also accompanied by senators and MPs from his backyard.
"He came with force as a true guest. And you know, as Luos we cherish visitors. If there is something that we value it is visitors. So we had to accord them the welcome they deserved," he said.
Wandayi said when the time to give speeches came, people praised the chief guest, and the most noteworthy of the speeches came from Raila.
"People praised Kalonzo, especially Baba. Kalonzo has stood with him all this time since 2013. Baba said Kalonzo is a trustworthy comrade, he is a reliable person, he has been steadfast and we will continue to stand together. He even used Swahili words saying 'sisi tutazidi kusimama na Kalonzo kidete," Wandayi said.
Following the media reports that Raila had finally endorsed Kalonzo, the ODM party leader came out to give a clarification 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, Raila clarifies that his praises for Kalonzo for standing with him in three successive elections, his strong Christian values and the support Kalonzo has built across the country was not an endorsement of Mr Musyoka as the Azimio presidential candidate in 2027," a statement by Raila's spokesperson Dennis Onyango read.
"His words of praise for Kalonzo 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, 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.