Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga is set for stiff competition as another allied governor from his backyard plans to ditch the party and vie for presidency come 2022.
Migori governor Zachary Okoth Obado has stated that he may have to use his party as he prepares to run for president in the 2022 general elections.
Obado claimed that Raila had been hoodwinked into a partnership when the same people were simply using him. The Migori governor who has not been on very good terms with Raila claimed that the One Kenya Alliance was meant to sabotage Raila - and a top politician was pulling the strings.
Without mentioning any names, Obado said that the One Kenya Alliance, and which brings together Musalia Mudavadi of ANC, Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper, Ford-Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula, and KANU chairman Gideon Moi was working at the behest of a leading politician.
According to Obado, the new formation was on its way to completely sideline and isolate Raila.
Obado noted that in light of the latest developments in national politics, he would either be forced to form a new party or revamp the People's Democratic Party (PDP) which got him into office in 2013 as the first Migori governor.
He further asked Migori residents to rally behind him, having initially hinted at giving the presidency seat a try come 2022.
The governor is completing his last term which he was elected in 2017 using an ODM party ticket.
On February 8, during a party meeting, Raila kicked the embattled governor out of the podium after he allegedly arrived late to a meeting meant to reinforce support for BBI.
Migori governor is not the only one who has hinted at trying his hand in the presidency, something that will be seen as an affront to Raila Odinga whose allies still maintain wants to run for the top seat come 2022.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho recently declared his interest in the seat and said that his name will be in the 2022 ballot box as a presidential candidate.
Unlike Obado, Joho considers the ODM party as the vehicle to wheel him into State House.
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya also said that he will be in the race for the top seat just like Joho on an ODM ticket.
Meanwhile, political temperatures in the country are getting high by the day as politicians continue to declare their plan for the much anticipated 2022 general elections.
