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.
