Opposition chief Raila Odinga is all set to be named the National Super Alliance presidential candidate at a “million man and woman” rally in Uhuru Park today.
Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula and Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto’s backing helped Raila to secure the ticket after days and nights of tense negotiations.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had put up a fight for the ticket, insisting that a Kalonzo-Musalia Mudavadi ticket would have been the best.
“This was a tough call, but, eventually, all agreed that Raila was the best bet,” said an official privy to the negotiations.
Raila will be unveiled alongside Kalonzo as his running mate, setting the stage for a gruelling contest with President Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee Party.
Under the arrangement, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi is proposed to take up a position that will be created after the election, and only in the event of victory, known as Premier Cabinet Secretary. The proposed position is touted to be influential, in charge of government coordination and supervision of all ministries.
The Premier Cabinet Secretary, equivalent to a chief minister, according to sources, will have the added portfolio of Internal Security and Administration of National Government.
Expert comment: NASA has settled on a truly Face of Kenya ticket
The Constitution does not provide for this position.
Under the Premier CS will be two powerful deputies of equal rank. One will oversee the State Department of Public Service and the other will be in charge of the State Department of Devolution and Planning.
Sources indicate Rutto’s Chama Cha Mashinani will be allocated one of the two deputies to head the Devolution wing.
Welcoming Rutto into the NASA Pentagon, Raila said that with the governor’s entry, the alliance has gained a new general, “particularly for our battle to protect and preserve devolution”.
Rutto is defending his seat as Bomet Governor and it was not immediately clear whether he would resign to take up the proposed slot if NASA ascends to power.
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