President Uhuru will not campaign actively for Raila, Murathe says

President Uhuru Kenyatta will not actively participate in Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition flag bearer Raila Odinga’s presidential campaigns.

Coalition National Executive Council Vice Chair David Murathe says the President is focusing on cementing his legacy after his 10 years tenure.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Radio Taifa and KBC Channel 1 TV, Murathe said President Uhuru will take a back seat to allow Raila’s running mate Martha Karua to solidify the Mount Kenya voting bloc for Azimio.

The revelation all but brings to an end speculation on what role President Uhuru will play now that campaigns have officially kicked off.

President Uhuru has endorsed Raila as his preferred successor after severing links with Deputy President William Ruto who is seeking to succeed him on a UDA party ticket.

The President even holding a Mt Kenya leaders meeting dubbed Sagana iii, to drum up support for Raila where he unequivocally urged the region to support him for the top seat saying in his hands they will be safe.

Murathe who is also Jubilee Party Vice Chair says the unveiling of Karua as Raila’s running mate has changed Azimio’s fortunes in Mt. Kenya region, where DP Ruto enjoys considerable support.

He says they will build on the gains they have made to ensure the vote rich region votes for Raila to the man.

And on the expected return to Azimio of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Murathe said it would a good thing for the former Vice President but urged him to negotiate for the position of Speaker National Assembly saying it will give him more political clout than the Chief Minister slot that had been reserved for him.