Ruto Visit to Nyanza Dents Raila Rebels's Hopes

A collage of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado (left), ODM Leader Raila Odinga (centre) and former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero (right).
A collage of former Migori Governor Okoth Obado (left), ODM Leader Raila Odinga (centre) and former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero (right).
Kenyans.co.ke

Prior to President William Ruto’s Luo Nyanza visit, a section of leaders from the region opposed to ODM leader Raila Odinga had taken prominence in calling for his exit from the political scene while warming up to the head of state.

It was thus expected that they would be on the frontline in ushering Ruto when he toured the lake region on a developmental tour - making inroads in Odinga's perceived stronghold.



This did not materialize as they were relegated to the periphery as Odinga allies, mainly elected leaders, took the front seat.



Among those who failed to get recognition was Ugenya MP David Ochieng of the 
Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party who after Ruto was declared President joined the Kenya Kwanza alliance.

President-elect William Ruto shaking hands with MDG party leader David Ochieng alongside other politicians on Friday August 26 at Karen Nairobi
President-elect William Ruto shaking hands with MDG party leader David Ochieng alongside other politicians on Friday August 26 2022 at Karen Nairobi
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Ochieng revealed that he had found a home in Kenya Kwanza and was ready to work with Ruto.



This culminated in the legislator deflating Azimio La Umoja Coalition Party when it came to voting for the National Assembly Speaker where his party of MDG supported then Senator for Bungoma Moses Wetangula.



Initially, his party was affiliated to Azimio where he campaigned using the coalitions name and slogan.

Kenyans.co.ke spoke to Political Analyst and Governance expert Martin Andati on what the scenario portends ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to Andati, Odinga rebels were wrong-footed in the concluded visit of the president to Odinga's backyard, a region that backed the former Prime Minister almost to the last man.

“They were wrong-footed as they thought that hitting on Raila would endear them to Ruto,



The president however ended up working with the elected leaders of the region thus puncturing any sort of mileage they thought they would get,” he opined.



On Siaya Senator James Orengo asking Ruto for a sit down with Raila, Andati intimated that the suggestion signalled a possible truce.



“There must be quiet discussions between Ruto and Raila over a position in which the Azimio party leader would serve,



Ruto has been open to having the office of the Opposition Leader and in the new push lies various goodies, the holder would not be prosecuted, and will address the nation and parliament too,” he added.

Andati further implied that the meeting of British High Commissioner Jane Marriot with Odinga was to implore him to accept the position.



"Previously the British High Commissioner had a meeting with Raila, this was to get him to accept the position of leader of the opposition being created for him, he noted.

On Wednesday, January 11, Odinga disclosed that Marriott hosted him at the British Mission in Nairobi where they held discussions on the situation in the country.



"We discussed the situation in the country, potential areas of collaboration, and agreed to consult on a regular basis to discuss matters of national and mutual interest," he wrote.



However, Marriot on her part expressed her gratitude in meeting the Azimio chief referring to him as a champion for democracy

"Pleasure as always to meet a historic leader who has played a vital role in deepening Kenyan democracy.

"We discussed the importance of effective opposition in Kenya and UK's development programmes in the country, Marriott's statement read in part.



There has been a push to have the office of the leader of the opposition created with parliament set to debate a bill on the same.



In the bill, the leader of the opposition will have staff duly paid and facilitated by taxpayers.



Should Ruto's push for the office sail through, Odinga will be the leader of the opposition while Martha Karua will be the Deputy opposition leader.

The bill also states that the leader of the opposition can be impeached for violation of the constitution or any other law.

However, the opposition leader and deputy will be protected from criminal or civil proceedings.

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga (left) and his running mate, Martha Karua (right) at a photoshoot in May 2022
Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga (left) and his running mate, Martha Karua (right) at a photo shoot in May 2022
Raila Odinga
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