Intrigues Behind Raila's Friday Big Announcement

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in Kwale County on November 16, 2021.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in Kwale County on November 16, 2021.
Courtesy Raila Odinga Twitter

Will Raila Odinga be on the ballot next year? Well, the former Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Party Leader announced that Friday, December 10 will be the day that he sets the record straight regarding his stance in the presidential race.

The event that will be held at the Kasarani Stadium will see delegates congregating to listen to the ODM leader's intentions for the presidential seat in the 2022 elections.

All indications signal at Raila launching his bid despite him not officially announcing that he will be vying; the ODM chief is expected to declare his quest for the top seat, as well as reveal his manifesto.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses Nyandarua residents on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses Nyandarua residents on Saturday, November 6, 2021.
Twitter

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Monday, December 6, political analysts Herman Manyora and Mark Bichachi gave their insight on what the expectations of the event are, and what to look out for in his address.

The event being the culmination of the Azimio La Umoja countrywide campaigns, Odinga is scheduled to announce his strategy for his campaign to reinforce his agenda for Kenyans, with a cutthroat campaign in the offing.

According to Manyora, the end of the tours does not necessarily spell doom for the ODM leaders as they were Odinga's way of testing the waters, and to familiarize his manifesto with Kenya.

"The numbers witnessed from the campaign trails are a confirmation that Kenyans want him to run for president," Manyora stated.

On the other hand Bichachi stated that the end of the tours is a wake-up call for Odinga, and that he should figure out a strategy that will counter his strongest rival Deputy President William Ruto's campaign plans to amass more support than him.

"The best tragedy for Raila in his campaign is to counter the Hustler Narrative, so he would have to formulate slogans and strategies that resonate with the crowds to popularize his bid," Bichachi stated in the interview.

This event is expected to bring together Raila's winning team,a group of five or six politicians who will partner with him to launch his campaign.

There are possibilities that Odinga is expected to touch on ODM's relationship with the ruling Jubilee party with talks of a coalition already in top gear.

Bichachi predicted that Odinga might also reveal his plans with the One Kenya Alliance (OKA), in terms of sealing a deal with Wiper Party's Kalonzo Musyoka, after he attended the former Vice President's NDC where he was endorsed as the party's presidential candidate, hinting at them working together in the coming elections.

Manyora stated the event may see the surprise attendance by leaders from different political factions, who may signal a new coalition with the ODM leader. Some leaders allied to the former PM who have confirmed attendance include Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho and Siaya County Senator James Orengo.

"All Coastal roads lead to Kasarani stadium, Nairobi on 10th December 2021. Fellow patriotic Kenyans, We shall be communicating our preparations as a region for the Azimio La Umoja event scheduled for 10th December 2021 at Kasarani," stated Joho.

However, some politicians have indicated that they will not attend the event. In fact, Jimi Wanjigi, another ODM presidential aspirant has revealed that he was not invited to the event and hence will not be attending.

"I have not been invited. I do not know what it is because it is not an ODM affair. I hear it is Azimio la Umoja and I have not been part of it," he disclosed.

Odinga says December 10th announcement will be earthshaking. "Gearing up for Friday: Met the Nairobi County ODM and Jubilee Party leadership to ensure we have an extravaganza to behold. Tutachapa siasa na tupige sherehe kuruka," reads Odinga's statement on Twitter. 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in Kilifi County on November 15, 2021.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in Kilifi County on November 15, 2021.
Courtesy Raila Odinga Twitter