The Leader of Azimio, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, has denied media reports that he has nominated Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to be the party's presidential candidate in the next general election, 2027.

In a statement sent to the media on Monday, October 16, 2023, by his spokesperson, Dennis Onyango, Mr. Odinga explained his move to praise Mr. Musyoka on Sunday, October 15, saying it does not mean that he has endorsed him for the post or that he (Raila) has retired from politics.

"Azimio's presidential candidate will be named a year or a few months before the 2027 general election," the statement said.

However, Mr. Odinga believes that Mr. Musyoka has the qualities that will enable him to defeat President William Ruto in a "free and fair" general election."Similarly, Mr. Odinga assures the supporters of Azimio and the nation in general that he will remain strong in party and national politics until 2027. 

And the act of praising Kalonzo does not mean that he has left the political arena," the statement added.Mr. Odinga made the clarification a day after praising Mr. Musyoka, describing him as "an honest, firm, fair, Christian, and reliable leader who has supported us twice and even last year—2022, when he was not nominated as my running mate."

"I say here today that we will stand firm with Kalonzo until 2027," he said during an event to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the birth of his elder brother Oburu Oginga in Bondo, Siaya County.

Musyoka, who was accompanied by a large delegation of political leaders, including governors from Ukambani, was the guest of honour at the event.