Kamba Council of elders Want Kalonzo Named as Raila’s Running Mate

The politics on who is going to deputize former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is gaining momentum as elders from Akamba governing council has threatened to revolt if Kalonzo isn’t named.

Speaking on Thursday, Akamba Governing Council of Elders national chairman Boniface Kilonzo said that the community is fully supporting the candidature of Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.

He said that Kalonzo is the most experienced politician, and having ceded his presidential quest, a running mate post will be the only ideal position. He said any other ticket might have a dire consequence in Ukambani region.

Mr. Kilonzo said that despite the region being fully behind the Azimio coalition, there is a growing need from locals as well as leaders that the Kalonzo ,Raila ticket should be retained similar to 2013 as well as 2017.

He said that President Uhuru Kenyatta should help to resolve the stalemate or they risk losing the presidency to Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

“We as Kamba community, we have one request that Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka be named as Raila Odinga running mate and our community will support but failed to this, Raila Odinga presidency might be at stake,” Kilonzo said.

The leaders described Kalonzo as a seasoned politician with an unmatched pedigree in leadership.

“We are reaching out to the Akamba community and everybody. We are going to help as much as we can to correct the political leadership, “he said further rallying Kenyans to preach peace and unity across the Country.

About two days ago, the Kikuyu council of elders held an event at their office and endorsed Martha Karua as a suitable candidate for Raila Odinga.

Led by national chairman Wachira Kiago, the elders sacrificed a black sheep to cement their stand.

“We as the elders feel that Raila Odinga should pick Martha Karua as his suitable candidate as she has demonstrated her leadership skills on various platforms,” Wachira said.

Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko recently warned Raila Odinga Odinga of dire consequences if he fails to pick Kalonzo.

Sonko guaranteed Raila that he was going to be the next president only if he onboarded the wiper party boss as his running mate. 

“Kalonzo has over 3.5 million votes nationally, my votes are about 1.5 million and my votes are under Kalonzo which makes him have over 5 million votes, I would urge Raila Odinga to be keen with those surrounding him as they are the ones misleading him,” Sonko stated.

Raila Odinga is expected to unveil his running mate on Monday after he was presented with a list of three candidates to pick from.

The Azimio Running Mate Selection panel led by Noah Wekesa on Thursday handed names of three shortlisted candidates for a running mate to Raila Odinga.

Among them includes Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), and Peter Kenneth.

The running mate interviews were conducted by a panel of eminent people on May 9 and May 10.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had set May 16, as the deadline for submission of running mate names by presidential aspirants.