Kenya: after the choice of Martha Karua, a stir is emerging in the coalition of Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga (our illustration photo) recognized him on Monday, May 16 in the morning.

The negotiations which led to the choice of Martha Karua as running mate for the presidential election were "tense".

REUTERS/Baz Ratner

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In Kenya, Raila Odinga chose, yesterday, Monday, May 16, the lawyer and former minister Martha Karua as running mate for the presidential election.

If won in August 2022, she would be the first woman in Kenya to serve as vice president.

This choice puts an end to weeks of intense negotiations but causes a stir within the coalition of Raila Odinga, Azimio La Umoja.

One of the leaders of this alliance slammed the door yesterday in reaction. 

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With our correspondent in Nairobi,

Florence Morice

Raila Odinga recognized him yesterday morning.

The negotiations which led to the choice of Martha Karua were "

 tense 

".

Until the last moment, Kalonzo Musyoka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and several times his running mate in the past, claimed that the post should go to him.

Otherwise, he threatened to leave Raila Odinga's coalition and withdraw his support, implying the vote of the two million Kenyans from his community.

A setback

Yesterday he followed through on his threat and announced that he would run on his behalf.

Admittedly, this is a setback for Raila Odinga and his coalition, but the candidate would have been “ 

even more weakened if he had not chosen a personality from Mount Kenya and of Kikuyu ethnicity as is the case with Martha Karaua 

,” says an analyst.

A region that weighs 20% of the electorate

This central region accounts for 20% of the electorate and it may well be the stronghold of Uhuru Kenyatta, but the support that the latter gives to Raila Odinga is not enough to guarantee him a full vote there.

Especially since in recent years, William Ruto, his presidential rival has gained popularity there.

and that, unsurprisingly, the current vice-president has also chosen a Kikuyu running mate from Mount Kenya, MP Rigathi Gachagua.

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To read also: 

Presidential in Kenya: Raila Odinga chooses Martha Karua to be his running mate

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