Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has dropped out of the August 2022 presidential race to support Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.
Speaking during Azimio La Umoja’s consultative meeting in Naivasha, Kibwana noted that he had consulted the people of Makueni and they gave him the green light to support Raila.
“I consulted my people in Makueni and they gave me the go-ahead to support Azimio la Umoja. They told me that I have age on my side and will resume my presidential ambitions in future,” Kibwana stated.
Kivutha said the reason why he and others have decided to support Raila is that he has fought for the country.
He, however, hinted at resuming his presidential ambitions in the future.
Kibwana who is serving his second and last term as governor, had declared interest in running for the country’s top seat.
Raila has received a massive support in his Presidential bid after 30 governors endorsed his candidature.
Raila today met 26 governors who were in support of his Presidential bid under the Azimio la Umoja movement.
Four other governors sent their apologies but signed the declaration indicating their support for the former Prime Minister.
“This has been a consultative meeting between the governors and the fifth as we assured him of our support and discuss the way forward with regards to the Presidential elections. There were 30 of us present and a couple of us who were absent with apology,” Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Mureithi stated.
This comes after Raila launched his presidential bid at Thika Stadium on Saturday.
Raila, who is keen to challenge Ruto’s alleged influence in the region, said Ruto has failed in his work.
“Ruto has failed at his job, (Ruto ameshindwa na kazi)” Raila said, referring to what he described as broken promises of the Jubilee administration.
“I will deliver for Kenyans,” he added, before accusing Ruto of corruption. “I will lock them up at Kamiti prison.”
He promised to revamp Thika into the industrial behemoth it was in.
He also vowed to revamp the agricultural sector by introducing what he termed “smart agriculture” that he said includes subsidies to farmers.