Wiper leaders push for party boss to be Raila’s running mate

Wiper is pushing for party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be Raila Odinga’s running mate in the coming presidential elections.

Addressing a meeting of aspirants eyeing the party’s ticket in Nairobi yesterday, Wiper leaders, including Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr and his Kitui counterpart Enoch Wambua, stated that Mr Musyoka deserved the running mate post owing to his influence and experience in national politics.

“Wiper will produce the next Deputy President in Kenya because we will be in government,” said Mr Kilonzo Jnr.

On his part, Mr Musyoka said:“I’m going to campaign for Raila like never before and those who are asking who is going to be the running mate, that is obvious”.

In a meeting that saw direct nomination tickets issued to unopposed candidates from different regions of the country, Wiper leaders said they will prioritise consensus to ensure the strongest candidate gets the ticket to guarantee victory in the elections.

Encouraging consensus

“Party machinery is encouraging consensus in the nomination process. Where there is no consensus, we will have to go to the nominations,” said Wiper National Election Board Vice chairperson (NEB) Mumo Matemo.

“We are all members of one party and if someone is stronger than you it’s better to support that member,” stated NEB chair, Agatha Sintolei.

“We need as many people in Parliament. Wiper is going to get the political party fund if we get as many seats as possible,” said the Makueni Senator.

The leaders told the aspirants that even though some may lose at the nominations, they should not lose hope since Wiper will be in the next government and they could benefit from other opportunities. However, Kalonzo’s push to be Raila’s running mate remains unofficial even as the coalition party continues with consultations on the matter.

The ODM leader recently said that selection of a running mate will be pegged on an individual’s resourcefulness in mobilising for votes.

“What is happening is that we will be consulting with my colleagues so that we get a running mate who will add value to the ticket as we move forward. It’s not a priority but an issue we are going to address at an appropriate time,” said Mr Odinga.

On how it will pick its candidates, UDP leader Cyrus Jirongo, who was present at the meeting, revealed that zoning in nominations will only take place in Nairobi and Mombasa counties.