Social media users debate Raila-Kalonzo Nasa ticket
Nasa leaders at Uhuru Park during the naming of the coalition's flag-bearer on April 27, 2017. From left: Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang'ula, Isaac Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi and Raila Odinga. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the coalition was dwelling on a “draft constitution”.
The announcement of the Raila-Kalonzo candidature by Nasa todays was met with mixed reactions on social media platforms.
The long delay in the unveiling of the National Super Alliance presidential flag-bearer had caused anxiety among opposition supporters and their Jubilee Party opponents.
They were eager to know who will face President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto in the August 8 General Election.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES
Soon after the announcement in the afternoon that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was the Nasa presidential candidate with Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka his running mate, Kenyans turned to social media to express their views.
But as Nasa supporters sent congratulatory messages, their Jubilee rivals termed the pairing a stale and weak, deal that will see President Kenyatta re-elected.
Political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi, on his Twitter account, termed the Nasa ticket a “re-conditioned car”.
The political analyst tweeted: “A Raila-Kalonzo Nasa ticket is like a re-conditioned car. Looks good and smells new but runs like an old jalopy matatu.”
DEFEAT IS IMMINENT
Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the coalition was dwelling on a “draft constitution”.
The outspoken legislator wrote: “Nasa hopes to govern using draft constitution, forgetting that we have a living Constitution of Kenya 2010.”
Writing on his Facebook page, blogger Robert Alai Onyango poked holes in the likelihood of Nasa defeating UhuRuto.
He posted: “65 per cent of Kambas will vote for Jubilee. At least 40 per cent of Luhyas will vote for Jubilee. Isaac Ruto is alone in Nasa. The game is decided.”
State House Director of Digital Dennis Itumbi said “the contest is now clear”.
PAIRING PREDICTED
Jubilee supporter Bilha Nyawera posted on her Twitter handle: “Congratulations @UKenyatta. You already won the August Elections. Thank you Nasa for giving us a through pass.”
However, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, a Nasa principal, tweeted: “The writing is on the wall. Jubilee has less than 100 days in power. Jubilee kwaheri (goodbye)!”
Mr Seba Whites, a Nasa supporter, posted on his Facebook wall: “My prediction was right. Bring on the ballot now! Let’s vote peace, guys.”
Earlier in the day, Kenyans in cyberspace predicted the pairing, with Waswa Kelvin tweeting, “Please, today is a big day for us. Nasa will be officially announcing its flagbearer, His Excellency, Raila Odinga.”
“A Musalia-Kalonzo combination is the only sure bet to take Jubilee home, otherwise Railaphobia will cost Nasa presidency,” posted Cajose Mutheu.
