Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana.(Photo/Facebook.com/Kivutha Kibwana)
The opposition NASA coalition already has a presidential candidate for the 2022 general elections, Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana has said.
Kibwana said an agreement signed by NASA’s primary constituent parties- Orange Democratic Movement, Wiper party, Amani National Congress and Ford Kenya is clear former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka will fly the coalition’s flag during the polls.
The pact penned in late 2012 in the run-up to the 2013 general elections said Kalonzo would support opposition Chief Raila Odinga for the post of president and in turn whip his (Raila’s) support bases in Kalonzo’s support in 2017.
The agreement was, however, reviewed in 2017 and was agreed that Kalonzo supports Raila again in August 2017 polls and obtain Raila’s support in 2022.
“We very well know that there is an agreement between you (Kalonzo) and Raila,” Kibwana said.
“In Ukambani it’s no doubt you are our preferred presidential candidate. Don’t relax. Start touring the country and let your agenda know now.”
Kibwana was speaking on Thursday in Kitui when he teamed up with Kalonzo in visiting the home of the late Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze who was recently buried after dying at a Nairobi hospital.
In response, Kalonzo said he was ready to take up the mantle and lead NASA, which he described as a coalition of “likeminded Kenya out to liberate the country from an imminent dictatorship”.
If he sails through to carry NASA’s flag, Kaonzo will take on Deputy President William Ruto who by then would be riding on President Uhuru Kenyatta’s support to ascend to State House.
Other notable politicians who have hinted at vying for the presidency in 2022 include Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua and former Meru Governor Peter Munya.