Wiper Democratic Movement leader, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday shelved his presidential ambitions in favour of ODM leader Raila Odinga, and declared Raila Tosha!
Earlier, Mr Odinga was endorsed as the preferred Azimio la Umoja Movement presidential candidate by at least 21 political parties including Jubilee, Wiper and Kanu, pointing to structured power talks should Mr Odinga win the August elections.
“There comes a time when the nation is more important than an individual,” Kalonzo tweeted.
While addressing Azimio la Umoja movement at Jacaranda grounds, Mr Musyoka said he would embark on a nationwide campaign for a Raila presidency.
Mr Musyoka said: “Mimi nilidhani Raila atasema safari hii Kalonzo tosha, lakini, kwa roho safi nasema Raila Odinga tosha).”
That translates to “I thought Raila would return favour this time round, but I have endorsed him in good faith,” Mr Musyoka said.
Mr Odinga was endorsed by more than 20 affiliate parties of Azimio la Umoja movement.
Candidate wetu ni Raila Odinga. Kwa hivyo naomba wafuasi wote wa OKA hatutaki nchi iende na wafisadi. Tunataka nchi ambayo iko na heshima. Na, naamini ndugu Raila hataangusha kijikiti), Mr Musyoka added.
[“…Our preferred candidate is Mr Raila Odinga. I therefore ask all OKA members to support him to ensure the country is not handed to corrupt individuals, I believe Raila won’t fail us]
While accepting the endorsement, Mr odinga promised to complete President Kenyatta’s legacy projects.
“I take the mantle bravely and I’ll bring the victory home,” Mr Odinga said.
He promised to improve the lives of those living in informal settlements should he win during the August 9 polls. He also promised a social protection programme to cushion the poor from the vagaries of economic hardship.
President Kenyatta said his Jubilee Party, OKA, and Azimio had decided to walk together to ensure no one is left out of government.
“It will be a government of inclusivity,” President Kenyatta said. “Let’s work together with the more than 22 parties that have come together [to support this course],” he added.
