The jostling follows the understanding that the former Vice President is the likely Azimio’s candidate to face President William Ruto.
Political analyst Javas Bigambo said Kalonzo has almost managed to convince the opposition coalition that he is the next captain post-Raila.
“He (Kalonzo) knows Martha Karua does not have any political ground, so he has taken advantage of that,” Bigambo said.
Last year, President Ruto said he was ready to face Kalonzo in 2027, saying he was aware that he would be his main competitor in the next polls.
Kalonzo, who is among the linchpins in the Azimio coalition, is eyeing the opposition ticket to face Ruto in 2027.
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga’s Africa Union Commission (AUC) bid technically removes him from the race.
Prior to his declaration for the continental job, Raila has been full of praise for the Wiper leader, signalling his soft spot for his two-time running mate to succeed him.
Three potential running mate names pop up almost four years to the General Election – former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa.
The trio has on numerous occasions accompanied the Wiper leader who has launched countrywide popularisation tours in his duel with the President.
Apart from Wamalwa, both Sifuna and Oparanya are members of the Raila’s ODM party and which insiders believe should front the running mate should Wiper field the Azimio presidential candidate.
ODM stalwarts argue that the slot would be automatic for the outfit as it has the largest number of MPs.
“It is obvious that if we have to rally behind Wiper as the candidate, then ODM should be allowed to produce the running mate; this assumes that Raila will not on the ballot,” a senior ODM official told the Star.
The maths technically remove Eugene from the equation.
Those vouching for Sifuna argue that pairing him with Kalonzo would be an exciting ticket given his age and brand of politics.
The ODM secretary-general is seen to appeal to both populous Western Kenya and to young people.
According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census results, the Kikuyu community is the most populous in Kenya, with 8.14 million people.
It was followed by Luhyas at 6.82 million and Kalenjins at 6.35 million.
There have been indications the region may not field a presidential candidate, given that frontrunners have already made with key alliances where they are playing second fiddle.
Governance expert Javas Bigambo, while admitting Kalonzo and Sifuna, will be exciting, said they may not be able to unseat Ruto in 2027.
“Kalonzo, Sifuna would be an exciting ticket, as Sifuna is a very solid leader who is still growing, but as to whether they can beat Ruto I can’t see it,” the analyst said.
“It would be a terrific pair.”
Oparanya on the other hand, is being considered because of his political experience, having been ODM Deputy Party leader for more than a decade, plus his experience as governor and Cabinet Minister. He was Minister of State for Planning and National development in the Mwai Kibaki regime.
The former Kakamega Governor is, however, still embroiled in a vicious ODM succession war with former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho. Observers say taking over the party will put him in better place to pair with Kalonzo.
“As we are looking at Raila’s succession, between Oparanya and Joho, if Oparanya gets the leadership of ODM, he will be a hard bargain for Ruto,” Bigambo told the Star.
Wamalwa on the other hand has lately joined Kalonzo on the campaign trail. The latest tour was a three-day visit to Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He also accompanied Kalonzo to Luhya night at Nairobi’s Carnivore on Thursday night.
But in a recent interview with the Star, Wamalwa downplayed plans to pair with Kalonzo in the coming polls, insisting he too will be running for president.
“Those are opinions people have expressed but what I know is I'm running and I will be on the presidential ballot on August 10, 2027,” he said.
Allies of the Wiper leader told the Star that the running mate should be someone who not only has national appeal but is able to marshal votes alongside Kalonzo.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, while acknowledging the choice of running mate will be the opposition’s to decide, added that candidate should be acceptable across the country.
“The running mate will be decided by the Azimio parties as time progresses and what is important for now is that the Azimio parties work and move together,” Maanzo told the Star.
“We are looking forward to a presidential candidate and running mate who can unite the country and who gather votes together.”
Maanzo – a close confidant of the Wiper leader – further added that the deputy president choice must be able to marshal many votes and be beloved by the people.
“So long as Azimio stays together, then it will be easy to pick a running mate. Through coalitions they can build consensus and build on that,” he added.
Kalonzo will on Saturday embark on a two-day tour of the Coast where he will pitch camp in Lamu county.
The former VP will address rallies, preside over the opening of new Wiper officers as well as meet local leaders.
Kalonzo has recently had a series of public engagements as he moves to ingratiate himself to opposition bases as the best replacement for Raila who seeks the AU chairmanship.
