- Kalonzo will on Thursday tour Kisii and Nyamira counties.
- There has been a tussle in Azimio on who takes over from Raila.
Image: RAILA ODINGA/X
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has gone flat out in an aggressive campaign blitz to inherit Azimio boss Raila Odinga’s strongholds as he positions himself as the best replacement of the ex-Prime Minister.
The former Vice President has embarked on a three-day campaign in Nyanza, a traditional support base of the ODM leader.
Kalonzo is among big shots in the former Prime Minister’s inner circle who are fighting behind-the-scenes to inherit his political bases.
Narc Kenya boss Martha Karua and Raila’s two ODM deputies-Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho-are also seeking to replace the opposition chief.
DAP-Kenya chief Eugene Wamalwa is in the race to succeed the Azimio supremo.
Raila, 79, is widely expected to hang his political boots, especially if his Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship bid succeeds.
Kalonzo will hold meetings with local leaders and address rallies in Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He was in Migori on Wednesday, where he presided over the opening of the Wiper Democratic Movement office in Kehancha. He later addressed a rally in Migori town.
Kalonzo promised Migori residents that he will push for the creation of Kuria county.
“When I was the Vice President, I was the one who brought district here. I will continue advocating for the creation of Kuria county,” he said.
The people of Kuria have for years complained of marginalisation and have been demanding they be given a devolved unit.
Kalonzo was accompanied by Wiper MPs Innocent Obiri (Bobasi), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Irene Kasalu (Kitui MP) and former lawmaker Ben Momanyi.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and his Machakos counterpart Agnes Muthama were present.
The leaders also went to Rongo constituency for another meet-the-people event.
On Thursday, the Azimio principal will visit Nyamira and Kisii counties.
Kalonzo will begin his day by meeting people in Nyamira town starting 10am to 11am.
He will proceed to Keroka and meet residents from 11am to noon. At 1pm, he is scheduled to visit Kisii town and thereafter meet Daraja Mbili residents at 3pm.
The Wiper leader is scheduled to visit Kisii county on Friday and meet local leaders as he winds up his three-day tour of Nyanza.
After postponing his presidential bid for 15 years, Kalonzo believes he qualifies to inherit Raila's political base and successfully challenge President William Ruto's reelection in 2027.
Speaking to the Star, Kalonzo's confidant and Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said the Wiper leader plans to visit all the 47 counties to popularise his bid.
The senator said the tours will also be used to popularise Wiper party ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Just wait and see, this is just a start. We will be moving across the country to explain to Kenya what Kalonzo stands for and why he should be given a chance in 2027 to lead this country,” Maanzo told the Star.
Kalonzo has previously been criticised for only campaigning in his Eastern region, while expecting to appeal to the nation.
In what signals a soft spot for Kalonzo, Raila has on several occasions heaped praises on the Wiper leader.
"Twice Kalonzo was on my side and our victory was stolen. He has been steadfast. Even in the last election, he was not given the mantle as the presidential candidate, but he stood with us," Raila said in Machakos early this year.
"I want to tell him [President] that one of us will face him in 2027 ...and I want him to know that we will stand with Musyoka to the end, his attempts to divide us will not succeed."
Raila was reacting to the President's remarks while touring Nyanza, that he is preparing to run against Kalonzo in 2027.
The ODM boss termed Kalonzo a mature politician with a kind heart and who deserves a chance to be supported for the country's top office.
The Wiper chief commands a solid base in Ukambani, a key constituency that has always enhanced his political bargain.
Already, his Ukambani base, with more than 1.6 million registered voters, is upbeat that Raila's declaration will be the much-sought springboard that would send him to State House.