Editor's Review

  • Some leaders allied to Ruto believe Uhuru will endorse Raila through BBI.
  • However, Uhuru has not endorsed any leader yet. 

A section of ODM leaders has said it is not mandatory for President Uhuru Kenyatta to endorse Raila Odinga as the preferred presidential candidate in the 2022 general poll.

Speaking during a golf tournament to celebrate the 27th memorial of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Kisumu, the leaders’ claim Raila is not angling for President Kenyatta’s endorsement and is keen on the passage of the BBI constitution amendment bill.

Raila remains non-committal on whether he will be vying for the presidency in 2022.

Oburu Odinga said the ODM leader was keen on the passage and implementation of the BBI report to put the country in a better place.

Raila on his part kept off the succession politics but insisted the country lacked genuine and honest leaders who would agitate for the good of the country.

Raila also faulted the deputy president William Ruto for coining the Dynasty Hustler narrative terming it a short-term excitement pill that is likely to have detrimental effects to the country cohesion.

ODM has advertised for candidates interested in running for the presidency with the party ticket to apply.

Last month, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) started the process of identifying a suitable presidential candidate for the 2022 general election with interested candidates required to pay a non-refundable application fee of one million shillings.

Raila could likely face ODM Deputy Party leader and Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in the battle for the party’s 2022 presidential ticket.