ODM leader Raila Odinga has crafted a new strategy that would reportedly offer stiff competition to other presidential aspirants in the upcoming 2022 general elections.
His allies said that he had resorted to forming a new coalition that would enable him to ascend to Presidency, pitting himself against Deputy President William Ruto and an expected coalition between party leaders Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Gideon Moi (KANU) and Moses Wetangula (Ford- Kenya).
Raila's new team comprises party leaders, Alfred Mutua (Maendeleo Chap Chap), Charity Ngilu (NARC), Kivutha Kibwana (Muungano Party), Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho - who has also declared his interest in running for the top seat.
The leaders were brought in to consolidate votes from Eastern Kenya, Western Kenya and the Coast, with Raila strategising on wooing leaders from Rift Valley, North Eastern and Central Kenya.
Raila's allies added that he was keen on working with other new leaders who were emerging as contenders for regional kingpins, after falling out with his NASA counterparts, Mudavadi and Musyoka. Uhuru close allies are reportedly pushing for a Gideon Moi presidency.
"More leaders will be brought on board. Raila recently met with former UN boss Mukhis Kituyi. He wants to protect the handshake and wants to bring along the new team in meetings with the President," a close ally disclosed.
On Tuesday, March 9, Raila was scheduled to meet the head of state alongside his former NASA co-principals and other party leaders.
Raila's advisors, however, wanted him to skip the meeting after reports emerge that senior government officials were planning to sabotage the handshake agreement between Raila and Uhuru.
The State House meeting was, however, cancelled after Raila went for a check-up at the Nairobi Hospital where he tested positive for Covid-19.
His new brigade met on Tuesday, March 9 in his absence and discussed how to forge an alliance with other like-minded leaders.
"We met at Mama Ngilu's home to plan for BBI campaigns and we will have a major meeting at State House on a scheduled date," former Chairman of Council of Governors, Wycliffe Oparanya said.
