Former deputy speaker Farah Maalim has asked ODM leader to consider supporting another candidate as he believes the fear that Jubilee has for him will lead to the rigging of the elections.
Writing an opinion piece in the Star newspaper, Malim noted that Raila is the most suitable candidate for the presidency among the three Cord co-principals but wants him to step aside in 2017 and make a come-back in 2022.
“Twice in the last two elections, his victory has been stolen. From the way things are shaping UP, I see something similar being worked out if Raila goes to the ballot one more time,” Maalim said.
“It’s time for Raila to support somebody else in 2017. It is the only fair thing to do at this time to save our dear country, because the State is more divided and even more bloody-minded,” he added.
Maalim said that by being part of the new government, Raila will embark on restructuring various sectors which he believes have been used by the current system to favour them in elections after which he can vie for the presidency in 2022.
“Let Raila get somebody else for one term, i.e. the five years between 2017 and 2022. Raila can take the position of Cabinet Secretary in charge of Coordination and Supervision. Together with the president, they can re-start the reform process to revise everything that has been used to rig elections in the last 10 years,” he added.
Maalim also expressed concerns that the Kamba community might not vote for Raila should Kalonzo miss out the Cord ticket.