Raila: Kisii votes not enough to guarantee Matiang'i presidency

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed the rumoured presidential ambitions of former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, saying the Kisii region votes are not sufficient to guarantee him the presidency.

Speaking during a press briefing in Kisii on Thursday, while accompanied by a section of political leaders, Raila said that in the event Matinag'i goes for the top seat, he would need to consolidate votes from other regions to stand a chance of winning.

He further dismissed the notion that ethnic voting would propel him or any other candidate to power in the upcoming 2027 general elections, adding that no particular leader can bank on a single ethnic community to win the elections.

''There is nothing like community producing a candidate. Somebody who is running for president is vying for the presidency of Kenya. You see, you cannot be elected as president of Kenya on the basis of Kisii votes, or Luo votes, or luhya votes for that matter or even the Mount Kenya votes,'' Raila said.

''If you want to be elected, you will be elected by Kenya generally.’’

He, however, noted that conversations about presidential aspirations were immature at the time, adding that the former Interior CS was yet to publicly declare his interest in the top seat come the following elections.

‘’Mr Matiangi has not, as things stand, come out to speak to be clear that he want to run for presidency,’’ he stated.

He added that he was optimistic that issues plaguing the country would be solved with time.

This comes amid reports that a coalition pact between President William Ruto and the Former Prime Minister would be unveiled on Friday after weeks of speculations.

The move will see  Raila leave opposition to work with the government.

The deal between President Ruto and Raila is set to be unveiled Friday following days of consultations between the ODM leader and his party supporters.

Ruto is expected to hold a Kenya Kwanza PG meeting at State House, during which they will ratify the move to form a coalition with Raila..