Is Peter Kenneth Raila Odinga’s running mate?

 

Former Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth speaking during the celebration of Raila struggle for change by Hekima Kaka at Villa Rosa Kempinsky in Nairobi on October 16, 2021 [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta allies are crafting a watertight political deal for 2022 State House race that could see former Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth picked from a pool of five other politicians from Mount Kenya region as his running mate.

The team has held a series of meetings in Dubai United Arabs Emirates (UAE) that could culminate in Raila's running mate being unveiled later in the year.

The meetings attended by Uhuru's allies and National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohamed have resolved to have Mount Kenya at the core of the ODM leader's campaigns with an individual from the region picked to be his running mate. 

The Standard has established that Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who has been Raila's running mate in 2013 and 2017 presidential contest will be replaced by a Mount Kenya politician as the ODM leader seeks to win the region's support that is currently perceived to be tilted in favour of Deputy President William Ruto.

Kalonzo team has since softened its earlier position of not playing second fiddle to the ODM leader again. The team has, however, raised concern about the Wiper leader’s position in the arrangement.

Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr disclosed that previous talks have stalled because of the arrangement that leaves Kalonzo without a major role.

Mutula Jnr, however, admitted that the opposition leaders have no otherwise but to unite ahead of the August 9, 2022 General Election.

“It is not a question of softening their position; the fact is they are caught between a rock and a hard place. The only problem in the discussion is that the position of Kalonzo in that proposed arrangement is not settled at all,” said the Senator.

“The discussions that we have had even the number two slot has been given out. Some of these things are natural. The discussions will be easier when the formations are very clear. The formations are not clear at the moment,” he added.

In Mount Kenya region Kenneth has emerged as a front runner for the number two position and  accompanies the former Prime Minister in tours across the country.

Kenneth hang on in there even when some in Raila's camp were beginning to have second thoughts on his viability. Last month the leaders held rallies in Laikipia Meru, Tharaka Nithi , Murang'a and Kiambu counties.

The former Gatanga MP has been with Raila in most of the events in Mount Kenya where he has been given the opportunity to address the meetings.

Others possible running mates of Raila include Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya whose Mount Kenya East backyard is grumbling, and threatening to break off the larger Mount Kenya. The region also has National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi while President Kenyatta's Kiambu backyard has former Governor William Kabogo for consideration.

In Kirinyaga, former Justice minister Martha Karua is flying the flag of potential running mates for Raila. 

Three weeks ago Kabogo accompanied Raila to a meeting in Ruiru, Kiambu county, where he endorsed his candidature. Former governor also joined the ODM leader in Ruiru.

“I would like to congratulate Raila Odinga for finding time to visit Kiambu. Don’t be misled by brokers. Welcome to the ground and listen to the people's voices,” Kabogo said.

The former governor's entry into the Raila fold is a major boost in his quest to climb the mountain.

Muturi is among the leaders from Mount Kenya region who are galvanising support for their own presidential bid.

In June, the Speaker was enthroned as the GEMA spokesperson in a ceremony that was attended by elders at a shrine in Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga, Murang’a county.

Though Muturi has not come out to indicate that he is eyeing the running mate position, his political clout puts him at a vantage position.

Besides hosting Raila in Meru, Munya has been tied down by his ministerial post. The CS has however cultivated immense goodwill in Mount Kenya region after championing President Kenyatta's agricultural reforms. 

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita said for now talk about running mate is premature.

"Raila is an experienced political leader who has run campaigns in this country for many years. A running mate should not just be about regions but someone with the right set of skills to compliment what Raila stands for," he said

"Region should not be the worry of Kenyans; the person he finally settles for irrespective of the region, should be that person that can complement his agenda and vision. Even his Azimia la Umoja is about us ending this ethnic balkanization.," he added.