ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday declared that he will only support a presidential candidate cleared by Azimio delegates.

At the same time, Raila said President William Ruto had shown that he was unable to lead the country by continuously blaming his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, for problems the country faces.

“These people are now blaming Uhuru. Uhuru was not alone. Ruto was his deputy. Now it’s one year and half and you have nothing to show,” said Raila.

Speaking during a scholarship event in Mombasa, Raila said the country’s huge debt should not be used by the Kenya Kwanza government as an excuse for failing to honour campaign pledges.

“We are not in a crisis, no country can develop without borrowing. If you fail to manage your debt then you are a failure,” said Raila.

Joho’s plea

On the Azimio politics, Raila said that he will only support an Azimio candidate declared by the delegates as the most suitable to take on Ruto.

“If they say I am the favourite, it’s OK. If they find me too old, then I will say OK. If they say (Hassan) Joho is able, I will support him, if Kalonzo (Musyoka) is chosen, I will support him. What we are saying is that we want a strong party,” Raila added.

He was responding to former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho who asked him to declare him the presidential flag bearer for the party in the 2027 presidential election.

Joho, who resurfaced yesterday after a long break from the political scene, declared that he would be a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

Raila, who has vied for the presidency five times, has not declared whether he will make a sixth attempt.
“I supported Raila by all means. I invested everything on him and the party and I have now pleaded with him to raise my hand and declare support for me to be the presidential candidate through ODM party, because I am ready for the presidency,” said Joho.

Joho said he is on a mission to battle it out with President Ruto since he has a record to boast for after serving two terms as Mombasa governor.