Interesting details have emerged on what transpired behind closed doors before the National Super Alliance (NASA) settled on ODM party leader Raila Odinga as the Presidential candidate.

Divulging the information, Bomet Governor Issac Ruto mentioned that he had been picked as the Opposition’s flag bearer but declined the offer.

According to Rutto he was the best choice because as the Presidential candidate he assured NASA of 90 percent votes from the Rift Valley region.

Speaking at Ngesumin in Bureti Sub-County in Kericho while endorsing aspirants who won various tickets in his Chama Cha Mashinani party primaries, the Governor disclosed that he opted to leave the position for the former Prime Minister.

“I went to negotiate with my fellows in Nairobi. It was a hard bargain for everyone wanted the top seat. I also wanted it.

“At one point, I won the support of the others who thought that if I was picked, we would be assured of 90 per cent of the Rift Valley votes plus others,” Rutto was quoted.

The Governor noted that Mr Odinga was the best man for the country urging the locals to support him during the August 8 General Election.

“Raila is not a bad man. Let us support him as he will only take us to the Promised Land where there is no poverty and economic challenges. We now call him Joshua arap Mibei,” he said.

Mr Rutto also took a jibe at Deputy President William Ruto over his position.

“William Ruto and I are both brokers. He is also seeking for votes for Uhuru just like I am (doing) for Arap Mibei (Raila Odinga). He would be the Deputy President and I a deputy prime minister. Are deputies not the same? Is there a better deputy than another?” asked the governor.

“But I can say I am a better broker than him because I am doing it for the common person.”