I was reluctant to vie but Kenyans encouraged me - Raila

ODM leader Raila Odinga has revealed that he was hesitant to vie for the presidency but Kenyans' overwhelming urge forced him to enter the race.

Speaking on Friday during the ODM's National Governing Council conference held at the Bomas of Kenya, Raila said his bid to run for the country’s top seat was engineered by Kenyans.

“I was initially reluctant to run but when I visited various parts of the country and asked, Baba aendele au asiendelee?...the answer was the same; 'Baba aendelee',” Raila said.

ODM endorsed Raila as the party'ss flagbearer in the August 9 general elections.

He said other parties under the Azimio la Umoja Movement are at liberty to also choose their flagbearers, who will face him for the Azimio ticket.

Raila said President Uhuru Kenyatta will be part of the deal in the formation of the next government if Azimio succeeds.

"When we take over, we will continue with the work he has started and move on. This bond will not die with the elections. The elections are just going to strengthen it and we will work together moving forward," Raila said.

The former prime minister said as the two parties, ODM and Jubilee come together to form Azimio la Umoja coalition, they will work as a team moving forward.

ODM National Executive Committee approved the party's desire to join the Azimio La Umoja coalition.

The move deals a blow to businessman Jimi Wanjigi who has been seeking the ODM ticket for his presidential bid.

Wanjigi had moved to court to block the ODM NGC scheduled for Friday and Saturday after the nomination of the presidential candidate failed to appear among the list of the agenda.