Hassan Joho, the governor of Mombasa, and Wycliffe Oparanya, the governor of Kakamega, had previously abandoned their presidential ambitions in support of ODM party leader Raila Odinga.
The two governors stated the former prime minister was the most qualified to carry the ODM flag in the August polls during the ODM’s National Governance Conference in the Bomas of Kenya on Friday, when Odinga was approved as the party’s presidential candidate.
“I had previously announced before the NGC that I had withdrew my candidacy here and now endorse you (Raila Odinga) as my presidential candidate,” Joho stated.
Nobody can fix Kenya alone,’ Raila says as he woos OKA to Azimio
Oparanya on his part underscored Odinga’s track record over the years saying: “Niliona baba ako na experience nyingi kuliko mimi and am formally withdrawing my bid today in favour of Raila Odinga.”
Governor Joho praised Odinga for his political experience and maturity, describing him as a mentor who had set the political stage for him.
“You’ve been my political mentor since 2004, and there’s no way I’m going to run against you,” Joho said.
The two county leaders have expressed interest in the country’s top office in the past, but have subsequently thrown their support behind Raila’s Azimio la Umoja Movement.
The duo has also been leading Azimio campaigns across the country for the past month.
