Kosgey wants ODM organ to pick Raila running mate

By Stephen Makabila

The quest for Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential running mate in ODM has taken a new turn after party chairman Henry Kosgey proposed the position be contested during the National Delegates Conference.

Kosgey told The Standard that while it is upon the PM to choose a running mate the feeling in the party is that the position be contested to promote internal democracy.

“It’s the feeling of most of our members that the running mate position should be elective,” said Kosgey.

ODM is supposed to hold its National Governing Council (NGC) on July 27, which will set the stage for the NDC scheduled for September or October to elect party presidential candidate and running mate.

While the PM stands to be the automatic ODM presidential candidate, the question of who becomes his running mate has in recent months been a major issue in the party.

The party has through the media, invited aspirants interested in running for various elective positions on its ticket to come up.

Party interests

“In preparation for the General Election, ODM hereby invites all members of the party interested in vying for elective positions available under parliament and County Assembly elections to submit their written expression of interest to the National Elections Board,” read a recent party statement signed by NEB Secretary Joseph Misoi.

Positions listed by ODM include member of senate, member of National Assembly, county women representative, governors, and members of county assemblies.

The presidential and running mate positions were not listed. Earlier reports had indicated the presidential candidate and running mate would be known at the NGC, but Kosgey clarified it would be at the NDC.

Apart from Kosgey, Roads minister Franklin Bett has also expressed interest in the position. Minister Amason Kingi has also made it clear the position be given to an ODM member from Coast Province.

Outside ODM circles, names of Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, who is Friends of Raila lobby deputy patron, and Water Minister Charity Ngilu have featured.

Beyond Rift Valley

Kosgey says he was ready for the elective challenge at the NDC, noting he was seeking support from beyond his Rift Valley Province base.

“I have sought political support from a good number of counties outside Rift Valley and the response is positive and encouraging,” added Kosgey.

Former Eldoret South MP David Koros says Rift Valley would rally behind Kosgey to become Raila’s running mate given his political experience.

“We have moved round the region and people are supportive of his latest bid, based on his rich experience and mature politics,” said Koros.

At the same time, the Tinderet MP who is the senior-most ODM official from Rift Valley, has indicated more rallies have been planned to popularise Raila’s presidential bid.

“We will soon announce dates for more rallies in Nandi, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties,” said Kosgey.

He said other counties among them the expansive Turkana would be covered under another programme.

“The ODM strategy is to cover all parts of the country. We are especially targeting youth who make up 65 per cent of the population and women for support,” added Kosgey.

He said the party’s election manifesto currently being worked on takes care of the youth and women in terms of employment creation and socio-economic empowerment.