Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is facing a fresh headache three days into the new year over the latest political developments involving former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The former Prime Minister was said to be under pressure to prevent Azimio la Umoja from disintegrating after Kalonzo hinted at charting a new political path. Reports also intimated that some political players were planning a handshake between President William Ruto and Uhuru.
Kalonzo, through his allies, stated that he was best placed to take over the mantle of Azimio leadership from Raila and vie for the presidency in 2027.
Kalonzo's Political Future
On Monday, January 2, Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua maintained that Kalonzo was best placed to battle with Kenya Kwanza for the country's top leadership.
"Kalonzo Musyoka is the best presidential candidate for the Azimio coalition in 2027 since he has the necessary experience and deserves the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he has been loyal to," Wambua stated.
However, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna dismissed Wambua's sentiments, arguing that it was too early to start planning for succession politics.
The Nairobi Senator further indicated that ODM was keen on playing its oversight role and advocating for better living conditions for Kenyans.
“Electioneering period is over with the just concluded elections. We have new leadership in the country; thus, it is too early to start delving into 2027 issues.
"The ODM party is now focused on advocating for the rights of Kenyans and will not be dragged into presidential succession debate," Sifuna stated.
To set the pace for 2027 succession politics or announce his commitment to the opposition, Kalonzo unveiled plans to make a major declaration on Tuesday, January 3.
Uhuru- Ruto Handshake Push
Raila is also faced with another dilemma over a recent push by the Kikuyu Council of Elders to reconcile Uhuru and Ruto. The Kikuyu Council of Elders and the Kiama Kia Ama Association noted that they had initiated a process to unite the two leaders.
On the eve of the new year, the council chairman Wachira Kiago revealed that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would spearhead the talks.
"Our aim is to end the bitter rivalry and divisions witnessed in the run up to, and during the last elections, which saw Uhuru back Raila Odinga as his preferred successor. This is also meant to unite the Kikuyu with other communities across the country," Kiago stated.
"For the country to become one, Uhuru, Rigathi and Ruto should show us the way. We will be at the forefront of making them at peace in the next year. This is the only way that we can develop," the Council insisted.
With the latest political stances, Raila is faced with a predicament on how to keep Azimio united.
Political pundits argued that if Uhuru agrees to a handshake and Kalonzo charted a new political path, their stake in Azimio would reduce, disintegrating the coalition.
