Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti during a Sundays service in AIC Baraka in Mlolongo, Machakos County on February 16, 2025/ HANDOUT
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has reignited calls for ODM leader Raila Odinga to rally behind Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in the 2027 presidential race.
In her Sunday address to congregants at AIC Baraka in Mlolongo, Machakos county, a day after Raila lost his African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid, the Machakos county boss told Raila that all was not lost as he still had unfinished business back in Kenya.
"As a country we prayed for Baba (Raila) because the position he was seeking was not entirely his but for our national pride. Even my party leader Kalonzo Musyoka rallied behind him. We need him in the country to help move Kenya forward," Ndeti said.
While addressing mourners in Siaya county last week, Governor Ndeti urged the residents of Nyanza region to consider supporting Kalonzo's 2027 presidential bid, on the grounds that Kalonzo had backed Raila for a record 15 years.
She reiterated the call during the church service saying it was about time the Nyanza region backed Kalonzo with the loyalty he has displayed over the years to Raila.
“We have walked with Baba for 15 years and we have been faithful. Now we are asking our brethren from Nyanza region to support us faithfully because now Kalonzo will vie for presidency,” she said.
On February 6, Kalonzo declared that he would not support another presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, insisting that it's now time for others to step aside for him.
The former Vice President emphasised that he has made significant sacrifices in the past, having stepped down for Raila three times.
Kalonzo asserted that he is the strongest candidate to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
“I have waited for 20 years. There comes a time when even the world acknowledges that it is your time,” he said.
“The moment has come for others to pave the way for me so we can save this country. I have stepped down for Raila Odinga for 15 years.”
Kalonzo backed Raila’s presidential bids in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
He ran for the presidency in 2007 but lost to Mwai Kibaki before being appointed Vice President in the Grand Coalition Government.
Kalonzo is currently working with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa to build a coalition to challenge Ruto.
