ODM leader Raila Odinga has stated that he does not need President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement in the 2022 elections.
Speaking to Citizen Radio on Thursday 8th July 2021, the former Prime Minister said that all he needs from his 'handshake partner' President Uhuru is his vote in 2022.
“Sijasema nataka endorsement ya Uhuru, ile kitu nitahitaji labda ni kura yake,” Raila told the Radio Citizen presenter.
Former Premier Minister Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta/ Photo courtesy
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On 18th July, Kenya's two largest political parties announced that a coalition was in the works.
“The meeting we have had today is a culmination of several other meetings that we have held before to formalise the coalition with the former Prime Minister,” announced Jubilee Party secretary-general Raphael Tuju.
The talks are expected to culminate in the two parties supporting one presidential candidate in the 2022 presidential polls.
With Jubilee Party leader President Uhuru Kenyatta exiting the political scene in 2022, the senior-most leader in both parties remains Raila Odinga.
Raila Odinga has not announced his interest in running for the top seat in 2022 but gave the clearest hint that he will stand in the 2022 elections.
In a carefully worded statement, Raila also hinted that he may not just be one-term president if elected.
“Mimi sikusema niko na risasi moja, sijasema niko na risasi moja, niko na magazine kubwa," he said figuratively referring to the polls.
Now aged 76, Raila Odinga is battling against age and increasing health complications as he battles for the presidency for the fifth time.
Earlier in the year, Raila Odinga was incapacitated for weeks after contracting the novel Covid-19 virus.
