Jacaranda grounds packed to capacity ahead of Azimio rally

The Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi’s Eastlands is full to the brim, ahead of the unveiling of the Azimio la Umoja coalition presidential candidate.

In the packed event where President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga are expected, it is also hoped that the Azimio la Umoja’s running mate will also be announced.

President Kenyatta had already publicly endorsed Odinga as his preferred successor, a statement that elicited sharp criticism from a section of Mt Kenya leaders and residents.

After an event where more than 300 delegates drawn from the 15 political parties have convened at KICC to endorse Odinga, all the delegates will join Kenyans at the major rally, termed “a celebration of Odinga’s day” by a section of ODM enthusiasts.

Already, notable politicians have started trooping at Jacaranda for the major event among them governors, MPs and MCAs.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who is also touted as a possible Odinga’s running mate is also said to be attending the Jacaranda event.

At the event, major political statements are expected to be made from notable leaders including a detailed analysis on the fallout between President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto.

The choice of Azimio la Umoja’s running mate possibly announced at the rally is expected to shape the political spectrum of the country.

Should Azimio la Umoja endorse Musyoka as the possible running mate, pundits have it that the alliance is bound to lose its Mt Kenya region political status.

In January, Ruto who is Odinga’s main contender attended the politically historical grounds in an event that was marred by chaos.

During the event, Ruto claimed that Odinga is known for hiring goons to disrupt his opponent’s rallies and must have been behind the violence witnessed, claims that Odinga dismissed.