Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga and his main rival William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance are touted to be frontrunners in the upcoming August election.
On Wednesday, June 29, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) held a consultative forum with all four presidential candidates on the preparedness for the August polls.
The forum that began at 9.00 was attended by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition candidate Raila Odinga, George Wajackoyah of Roots Party, and David Waihiga of Agano party.
The absence of United Democratic Alliance presidential flag bearer William Ruto in the morning session attracted fury from the IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati who wondered why Ruto had failed to keep time.
But strangely when the DP Ruto arrived at 11.45 am flanked by Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flag bearer, and his running mate Martha Karua left the meeting.
“We’re sorry for leaving the meeting early but duty calls, we are leaving behind a strong team to represent us” Karua announced before exiting the room.
While moving out, Raila and Karua pumped into the Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader where they exchanged few words before leaving.
Narok Governor Josphat Nanok and UDA Secretary-General Veronica Maina had attended the morning meeting on behalf of the UDA presidential candidate.
“Our candidate has a scheduled meeting earlier which he is attending but we are here to represent him. He had planned to come but the timings for this meeting changed,” Nanok said.
The last time Ruto and Raila shared a platform was during the Madaraka Day Celebration where both were denied a chance to address the gathering by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Recently the former prime minister skipped the National Prayer Day event but instead was represented by Martha Karua even though he was invited to attend.
