Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has suggested that Mt Kenya region power brokers might not be genuine in their highly publicised endorsement of Raila Odinga’s presidential ambitions as President Uhuru’s succession plan hits fever pitch.
Speaking during an interview on K24, Khalwale accused businesspersons from the Mt Kenya region of taking Raila Odinga in circles as it is clear they are still considering other presidential hopefuls.
The former Ikolomani constituency MP questioned why the businessmen want to meet other presidential candidates-Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Gideon Moi -to discuss Uhuru’s succession plan if indeed they have settled on Raila Odinga.
“What we are seeing is a choreographed strategy whereby a clear script has been written to keep Raila running in circles,
“If It is true that they want to back him, why would they say they will make a decision after listening to his so-called co-principals?” Boni Khalwale.
The former Senator, who is a close ally of DP William Ruto argued that the Kikuyu businessmen can only put their money in a candidate who is destined to win the 2022 elections.
“They will only put money on the candidate whose campaign is projected to produce victory. They invest in the probability that they will be part of the beneficiaries of the projects rolled out by the winning government,” Khalwale added.
The William Ruto die-hard was responding to a meeting between Raila Odinga and businessmen from Mt Kenya region held on Tuesday, September 28.
In the meeting, Raila discussed his economic plans with the Kikuyu businessmen and they were impressed.
However, the group said that they are interested in meeting other presidential candidates before settling on which one to support.
Mount Kenya Foundation (MKF) vice chairperson Titus Ibui said the tycoons have kicked off the process of identifying the region’s preferred candidate as instructed by Uhuru.
“So we have decided to listen to all the presidential candidates. On Friday we will meet (Musalia) Mudavadi, Kalonzo (Musyoka), (Gideon) Moi, and (Moses) Wetang’ula,” Mount Kenya Foundation (MKF) vice-chairperson said.
