Intrigues Behind Raila's Foul Mood at State House Meeting - Insiders

President Uhuru Kenyatta (in white) with other political leaders during an address at State House on Thursday, February 25, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (in white) with other political leaders during an address at State House on Thursday, February 25, 2021.
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Insiders have shared the intrigues that occurred at State House when former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga met his National Super Alliance (NASA) counterparts, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) on Thursday, February 25. 

The three were among the party leaders called by President Uhuru Kenyatta to thank Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) for passing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Referendum Bill. Others who attended the press conference were KANU's Gideon Moi, NARC's Charity Ngilu and Ford-Kenya's Moses Wetangula. 

Sources said that Odinga was in a foul mood as he did not want to attend the meeting and had shared his plans with close allies. The ODM leader was reportedly cautious of being paraded with leaders he broke up with and those he accused of betrayal. 

"He did not want to be paraded alongside politicians who were not aggressive in campaigning for the BBI but now want to jump at the slightest opportunity to reap its benefits. They want to be recognised after county assemblies overwhelmingly approved the bill. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta (in white) with other political leaders during an address at State House on Thursday, February 25, 2021
President Uhuru Kenyatta (in white) with other political leaders during an address at State House on Thursday, February 25, 2021.
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"Raila does not want to be used as a stepping stone for those seeking endorsements," a source told Nation

Junet Mohamed, Suna East MP, added that Musyoka and Mudavadi were plotting to obstruct Odinga from running for the presidency in 2022. He alleged that the duo was fighting Odinga yet he had not announced whether he would vie for the fifth time or not. 

Odinga accused Musyoka and Mudavadi of abandoning him during his mock swearing-in ceremony as the People's President in January 2018. The two hit back alleging that Odinga was selfish and inconsiderate. 

At State House, the press statement issued by spokesperson Kanze Dena was read by Baringo Senator Gideon Moi. Odinga was to read the speech as he is the co-proponent following the handshake with Kenyatta in March 2018. 

However, with Musyoka, Mudavadi and Ngilu reportedly considered minions, Wetangula's still grappling with popularity and Odinga irked by the presence of his NASA colleagues, the role landed on Mzee Danel arap Moi's son. 

Gideon Moi has been tactically positioning himself in the political arena, stepping up from his comfort zone and joining the big names in campaigns and rallies. 

Kenyatta allegedly distanced himself from the rows as he is adamant that he will unite all leaders in Kenya. However, he is facing a crisis in his own party as he is publicly differing with his deputy, William Ruto.

The DP skipped the meeting at State House and a day later continued criticising the BBI bill. Ironically, Kenyatta and Ruto had met at a Cabinet meeting at State House prior to the BBI press conference. 

Sources added that Odinga has planned on campaigning for the BBI and his 2022 agenda on his own and has unveiled a detailed strategy which includes town hall meetings and the meet the people tour. 

Odinga is also wary that the State House is planning on supporting other leaders who it believes can outwit Ruto in 2022.

Other than backing Odinga as a candidate, Kenyatta is reported to be planning on supporting a coalition that would exclude Ruto and Odinga. The former Prime Minister said that he would announce his 2022 plans after the referendum. 

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Gideon Moi addresses the meeting after meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta and other party leaders at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, February 25, 2021
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