Kosgey: Why I should be Raila running mate

By Stephen Makabila

ODM chairman Henry Kosgey says Rift Valley Province holds key to Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s success in the presidential contest, but only if his running mate is picked from the region.

The Industrialisation Minister and Tinderet MP, who never hides his desire to become Raila’s running mate, cautions against overlooking Rift Valley in making the decision could cost him (the PM) politically.

“As an individual, the PM has the right to decide who his running mate will be, but there is also a growing view among party members that the position be elective during the National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for November 29 and November 30,” Kosgey told The Standard on Sunday in an interview.

He said if the 5,000 delegates to attend the NDC will have the choice of electing the PM’s running mate, then he is ready for the contest.

Others who have been mentioned in the past as possible running mates include Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei, Roads Minister Franklin Bett and Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi.

“I have been lobbying for the position and it’s no secret. I am ready for elections and given the support I have cultivated, I am sure of carrying the day at the NDC,” added Kosgey.

Pre-poll alliances

Mr Kosgey also talked of ODM’s elaborate campaign strategies, plans for the two-day NDC jamboree, a fair nomination process ahead for all elective positions and the party’s flexibility to enter pre-election alliance.

Kosgey said ODM was fairly safe in Nyanza, Western, Nairobi and Coast provinces, which were among its strongholds in the 2007 General Election, but its hold on 7 counties dominated by Kalenjins in Rift Valley Province is under threat. The last few months have seen increasing   pressure on the PM by Kosgey’s supporters to declare him a running mate.

During Kosgey’s homecoming in Kapsabet after his re-appointment as Industrialisation minister, the Tinderet MP’s supporters had ambushed the PM by challenging him to name Kosgey, but he promised party organs would make the decision.

URP effect

Kosgey’s candid views on the subject came at a time URP has already fished Sotik MP Joyce Laboso, with its party presidential aspirant and Eldoret North MP William Ruto claiming that 10 more ODM MPs in Rift Valley will join his party soon. However, Kosgey downplays Laboso’s defection and says he has the ability to rally Rift Valley voters behind ODM if he lands the running mate slot, because he will be bargaining for their votes from a position of strength.

“ODM has also been receiving defectors. It’s still the most popular party going by opinion polls and it will win the elections and form the next government,” added Kosgey.

Bett, Kosgei and Energy Assistant minister Magerer Langat have reiterated that they have no plans to ditch ODM for any other political party.

QUESTION: You have always wanted to become Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential running mate in Orange Democratic Movement. Is that still the case?

Yes, given my position in ODM and my vast political experience, I qualify to be his running mate in the presidential race.

I have been moving around the country with him campaigning and being the senior most in party hierarchy after him, I deserve the ticket.

In my Rift Valley base, people are waiting to see if I will land this position. Aspirants are weighing options depending on it. There is a lot of anxiety and the matter should be put to rest.

What are ODM’s chances of winning the March 4 election?

ODM is the most popular party. The PM is the most preferred presidential hopeful going by the opinion polls. I am sure ODM will win.

Comment on Sotik MP Dr Joyce Laboso’s defection from ODM

It is one’s democratic right to choose the party on which to stand in the General Election. However, people should know it is going to be a two-horse race next year between ODM and the other horse, and ODM will win.

 What is ODM’s campaign strategy as we enter the homestretch?

The party is set to tour all counties before the National Delegates Conference to popularise it further.

We expect the NDC to create an impact. We are yet to agree on the venue but it could be out of the city. A committee chaired by Local Government Minister Paul Otuoma is handling the programme.

There have been worries over the party nominations on whether they will be free and fair. Comment

I would like to reiterate the PM’s promise to party members and those seeking tickets for various seats that the nomination will be free and fair.

 Is ODM angling for a pre- or post-election coalition?

Our recent National Executive Committee meeting in Naivasha gave the party leader leeway to negotiate with other parties for alliances.