Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s hopes of being endorsed as the Azimio la Umoja flag bearer in 2027 continued to dwindle after the coalition’s partners insisted all aspirants would be subjected to a nomination process.

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga and his allies on Tuesday appeared to take a hardened stand when they maintained the coalition would not grant direct ticket to anybody as the flag bearer.

And yesterday, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa declared he would also be seeking the coalition’s green light to fly the presidential flag.

“I will also be in the race and whoever would be nominated by the delegates would be the flag bearer. Let nobody expect to be given that opportunity on a silver platter,” Wamalwa declared.

Wamalwa seemed to have been reading from the same script as Raila, who on Tuesday while addressing a series of roadside rallies, said all Azimio leaders interested in vying for the presidency would be subjected to a nomination process.

Raila said Azimio would convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) which would decide on the best candidate to present to challenge President William Ruto.

“Delegates will ultimately decide on who to be our flag bearer. If they decide it is me Raila, yes I will go ahead. If they decide it is Kalonzo, Wamalwa, Wajackoya or Hassan Joho, I will support them. The process must be democratic,” Raila stated.

On Tuesday, eight allies of ODM leader Raila said the Azimio coalition would not grant direct ticket to anyone for the presidency.

The seven ODM MPs and one deputy governor said all presidential aspirants, be it ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) or George Wajackoya (Roots Party) interested to vie for the seat on Azimio ticket would have to get the nod from the people.

Led by Azimio leader’s elder brother Dr Oburu Oginga, the MPs vowed that all individuals harbouring such interest will have to be a product of the party.

“The people are sovereign and will give us the presidential candidate through the National Delegates Conference or Electoral College,” he said.

The Azimio coalition will hold National Delegates conventions to formally nominate the most popular presidential candidate and/or running mate.

This process will allow the coalition to officially choose the candidate with the most popular votes from its delegates or established political caucuses.

Homa Bay town MP Peter Kaluma, MPs Joshua Oron, (Kisumu Central), Aduma Owuor, (Nyakach) and Martin Owino (Ndhiwa).

Charles Were, (Kasipul), Eve Obara (Kabondo- Kasipul) backed Oginga’s statement that was roundly praised by the party supporters.

Disquiet among allies

They were joined by ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna and Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili.

The declaration by the eight allies of Raila is likely to ignite disquiet among allies of Kalonzo who have been pushing Raila to endorse their man in 2027 to reciprocate the support the former Vice President has given the former Prime Minister in the last two General Elections.

The ODM MPs supported calls for democratic nomination of the presidential candidate as opposed to direct ticket nominations.

Although Owili claimed it was too early to decide who will get what and how now, he challenged those with presidential interest to campaign.

They must go out and popularise their party within their turf and also across the country than sit and wait to be endorsed,’’ said Owili.

“Azimio will not nominate a walk over to President William Ruto, we must give him a powerful person with wide national acclaim,’’ Owili said

They must go out and popularise their own parties.

This, Owili said, will allow for peaceful change, which is essential for progress and help to protect human rights as well as promote freedom.

“It will also allow the most popular will and candidate to manifest through the people’s verdict,’’ said Kaluma.

Oron and Owuor argued that democratic values are essential to successful development of any political party, and doesn’t mean hatred for any one.

The ODM MPs also said Coalitions with democratic management tend to be more prosperous than those with nondemocratic administrations.

They spoke at the burial of the late George Awino, elder brother of ODM Director of Finance at Kanyamfwa village in Rachuonyo constituency.

Oburu spoke as Raila sent out the clearest indication on Sunday in Kitui, that Azimio is likely to field Kalonzo as its Presidential candidate.

The Azimio principals led by Raila, Wamalwa and Wajackoyah claimed that there was nothing wrong with handing Musyoka the direct presidential ticket.

But yesterday, his elder brother dismissed the endorsement chorus, saying that the ticket will not be handed over on a silver platter.

“We won’t allow someone to get something very easily, without having to work hard for it. He will have to go for it from the people,’’ said Oburu.

Sources within the party, confided to us that it was most insider’s view, was to allow democracy to prevail by letting the members to nominate.

This according to Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang will incentivise candidates to campaign in different parts of the country, more so villages.

Reconstitition of IEBC

But Sifuna feared the debate could make or divide the opposition. He warned against such debates at the moment opting that electoral reforms be fast tracked.

“Let us focus on reconstitution of the IEBC now and NADCO report to be implemented,’’ said Sifuna.

He said chapter 16 of the Constitution stipulates in Articles 255-257 how the 2010 Constitution can be amended effectively either in or out of Parliament.

There are certain aspects of the Constitution, such as the Bill of Rights, which can only be amended by the people through a referendum.

“Then there are others which can be amended by an Act of Parliament with clearly stated majority and aspect that can be amended by a popular initiative,” he said

This will top the party concerns when Parliament resumes tomorrow.

Over the years, the ODM law makers noted that democracy has endured in part due to its ability to accommodate change from below through expansion of voting rights, and greater protection of civil liberties.

This by contrast differs from authoritarianism, by its nature, centralised and limiting of free thought and expression.

Oburu excited the mourners with his pronouncement on Kalonzo’s candidature.

The ODM leader said that the Kenya Kwanza leaders were waiting to see a separation between him and the former vice president, stating that the coalition would hold firmly together to bring an alternative leadership in the country.

“Myself and Kalonzo have worked together for a long time. When the time comes, we shall agree. If Kalonzo is the candidate, where is the problem?” Oburu posed as the crowd cheered in approval.

The opposition supremo said: “I have not said Kalonzo cannot be the candidate. He has supported me before and I can also support him, let Kenyans be patient, as Azimio we know what we are doing.”