Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has warned Azimio la Umoja-OK presidential flag bearer, Raila Odinga, not to be misled by his secretariat over the running mate choice.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday, May 6, the flamboyant politician warned Raila’s secretariat against underestimating Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the search for Azimio’s number two hots up.
Sonko who is now eying to succeed Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho on a Wiper ticket claimed that close circles surrounding the former prime minister are out to mislead him due to their selfish interests.
“Raila Odinga, you are the next president, there is no doubt about it. We respect you but the only problem is your secretariat, those people around you. Raila listens, these people in boardrooms are misleading you,” Sonko warned.
Sonko exuded confidence that President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner will win the much-awaited August 9, presidential duel in which he will be facing Deputy President William Ruto of UDA.
The former city hall boss further stated that Kalonzo’s votes combined with around 1.5 million of his own would bring to Azimio around 5 million votes which will be enough to make him the president.
“Kalonzo’s votes are not just from Ukambani, Kalonzo is a national leader. His votes are over 3.5 million. Pick your deputy president and announce him today and let us sing Raila Tosha and you will become president and Kalonzo your deputy,” he added.
The former Nairobi senator instead asked the ODM leader to disband the seven-member advisory panel tasked with finding a suitable candidate for Azimio’s number two and declare Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate.
“Pick your deputy president and announce him today and let us sing Raila Tosha and you will become president and Kalonzo your deputy,” Sonko said.
Raila’s running mate post has sparked a major political debate in town, with leaders including Deputy President William Ruto saying Musyoka’s profile is too big for him to face a panel because he served as former president for the late Mwai Kibaki.
