Wiper names Kalonzo Musyoka for presidential run
What you need to know:
- Announcement is likely to cause ripples in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord).
- Mr Musyoka first vied for the presidency in 2007.
The Wiper Party will field its leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, as its presidential candidate in 2017.
The announcement by the party’s National Executive Council on Friday is likely to cause ripples in the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord), whose other principals, ODM leader Raila Odinga and his Ford-Kenya counterpart, Moses Wetang’ula, are also being urged by supporters to gun for the top job.
Mr Wetang’ula has repeatedly said the Cord presidential candidate will be picked democratically.
Addressing Wiper officials at Elementaita in Nakuru County on Friday, Mr Musyoka endorsed the resolution for him to vie for the top seat a second time, promising to visit every corner of the country to seek votes.
Mr Musyoka first vied for the presidency in 2007, and came third after former President Mwai Kibaki and Mr Odinga in the disputed election.
He said leaders had, at a meeting at his Yatta home early this year, urged him to go for the presidency.
He asked supporters to allow him to move out of Ukambani to popularise himself.
“I will visit each constituency and talk to all the people of Kenya as we begin this journey.”
The Cord principal said political parties were formed with the aim of winning power.
Wiper chairman David Musila said the party was no longer interested in the running-mate position.
He was speaking at a party retreat attended by elected members, including Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Senator Johnstone Muthama.
