Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has expressed optimism that ODM leader Raila Odinga will support his 2022 presidential bid.
Mutua’s remarks come just days after Raila said he is seeking views and consulting his foot soldiers on whether to go for the top seat in 2022 or not.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Thursday, November 18, the Maendeleo Chap Chap party leader said he has worked with the former Prime Minister and that he hopes the opposition leader will throw his weight behind him.
“We have worked together and you will see more coalitions coming together and people joining hands… When push comes to shove I hope Raila Odinga will support me (for the presidency),” Governor Mutua said.
Mutua, who has recently been at the forefront of Raila Odinga’s rallies, revealed that his hopes of succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta are still strong despite his support for the ODM leader.
“I am not relinquishing my dream to take over the running of this country,” the Governor said.
Mutua said he only attends Raila Odinga’s rallies because he admires his push to unite Kenyans regardless of their tribe or gender adding that in the event he will not be on the ballot, then he will vote for Raila Odinga.
Just a week ago, former Machakos First Lady Lillian Ng’ang’a said that Governor Alfred Mutua can be a great president if elected the fifth Head of State.
Ng’ang’a who announced that the two had parted ways advised Alfred Mutua’s social media team to focus on helping the presidential hopeful succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta who is expected to retire in August 2022.
“I advise you to concentrate on making him (Alfred Mutua) president. He would be a great president,” she said.
While analysts project that the 2022 Presidential race is a two-horse race between Raila Odinga and William Ruto, the opposition leader is yet to declare his 2022 ambition.
Last week, Raila announced plans for a major political rally in Nairobi next month to declare his candidature in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“We have to go to all the remaining places before December 9. It is on December 9 that I will announce whether I will be running or not. I will formally make the big announcement,” said Raila.
