Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has declared support for ODM Leader Raila Odinga's presidential ambitions five months after decamping from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Kingi who is the leader of the newly formed Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party has since promised to campaign for and popularise Odinga's presidential ambitions.
The governor had been rumoured to be eyeing a coalition with the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) or Deputy President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
File image of ODM Leader Raila Odinga and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi (r). |Photo| Courtesy|
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Kingi stated that PAA will campaign for Odinga's presidency but will field candidates in other seats.
“PAA will not field a presidential candidate in 2022 but will back Mr Odinga,” the governor stated during a rally in Malindi over the weekend.
PAA Communications Director Joe Kiragu revealed that the party will issue further clarification on its direction this week.
“The party will be releasing an official way forward at a meeting to be convened this coming Tuesday,” he said.
Kingi was removed from ODM's leadership after he insisted on the formation of a political party that will champion the rights of people from the Coast.
He is, however, a longtime ally of Odinga and was among attendees of the former premier's Azimio La Umoja convention held on Friday, December 10, at the Kasarani Stadium.
The governor noted that PAA is determined to ensure and uphold cohesion and peace among members of the public regardless of tribe, religion or race.
“It is for this reason that PAA will join like-minded political parties at Kasarani in an effort to bring this country together,” Kingi said on his social media page.
Two weeks ago, PAA announced that it would not field a presidential candidate in the coming elections after conducting wide consultations.
“We are not fielding a presidential candidate now because we know that chances of PAA leader clinching the seat is minimal. We are, however, ready to work with other leaders,” Coast Elected Leaders Forum spokesperson Lucas Maitha said.
Kingi reiterated that PAA would be focusing on partnering with other parties to form a formidable force with small parties at the Coast to champion the region’s interest.
“Every region is now busy planning its political future, Coast region must not lag behind. The region has allowed other people to make decisions on its behalf but this time around we have said enough is enough. A time has come when the region must plan and chat its own political path,” he said.
