Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth has reaffirmed his stand in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party regardless of the outcome of the presidential running mate interview.

Peter Kenneth. PHOTO/TWITTER

Kenneth was speaking at the Nairobi Serena Hotel where he went for the interview before the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition running mate selection panel on Tuesday.

Kenneth said he supports Raila passionately because he believes Raila will give Kenya a fresh start.

"My support for him is passionate, because I think he will give Kenya a reset moment where we can again pick up from where we are, and go farther," Kenneth said.

PHOTO/TWITTER

Kenneth said even if the panel does not front him for the position of Azimio running mate he still remains in the formation because that's where he belongs.

"So in the unlikely event, that I'm not the one fronted, I still remain in Azimio and give my full support as I've given before, and that is what it is. That's where I belong," he said.

He also said he is in Azimio because he believes in the ideas of the formation such as universal healthcare, social protection and universal health care because they align with his previous manifesto.

"And I belong there because I believe in some of the things that are coming out. I believe in social protection program for our people I believe in. I believe in universal health care for our people. We must look after our people. And some of the things that are there. You recall 10 years ago, I had some them in my own manifesto, because we must alleviate poverty," Kenneth said.

Kenneth noted that even though their opposition has had a good run in the Mount Kenya region, the Azimio presidential candidate is also gaining popularity on a steadfast trend. 

"But it is important to realize that Mount Kenya is a vote rich area. It is also important that the opposition has had a field day in Mount Kenya. But it is also important to accept that the Azimio candidate is on a on an upward trajectory in Mount Kenya area," Kenneth said.

He said anybody doing proper calculation will prioritise the Mt Kenya region in the running mate selection since the region is vote rich

"And therefore, that by being vote rich, has its own considerations, but it's not a must, but it has its own considerations. And anybody who is doing mathematics will place Mount Kenya as a priority," he said.

Raila Odinga and Peter Kenneth. PHOTO/TWITTER

Kenneth is among the shortlisted candidates who have already had their chance with the Noah Wekesa-led Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition running mate selection panel.

The panel was tasked to select a Azimio presidential candidate Raila's running mate ahead of the August campaign before the deadline issued by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).