ODM leader Raila Odinga is contemplating his next tactical move after National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi deserted him.
Party leaders Mudavadi (ANC) and Musyoka (Wiper) parted ways with Raila who they alleged betrayed their trust and was reluctant to share Ksh4.1 billion allocated to NASA by the Registrar of Political Parties.
Raila and his party members will meet on Thursday, July 29, to deliberate on his 2022 agenda, with the enigma expected to outline his strategy and convince his confidants to embrace and popularise it.
This includes coalition agreements, his scheduled Mt Kenya tour with President Uhuru Kenyatta and the 2022 succession battle with rivalries, top of the list being Deputy President William Ruto.
“I will be presenting the 2021/2022 party budget to NEC members to approve before we start spending the money.
"The party leader will also table his reasons for accepting to share the political parties fund with his co-principals so that NEC can ratify the decision,” ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna stated
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Social Development Consultant Nafula Kisiang'ani downplayed Kalonzo and Mudavadi’s decision to desert Raila, terming it a formality.
The political analyst stated that ODM had already parted ways with the NASA co-principals after Raila’s party accused them of being joyriders who were taking advantage of the former Prime Minister’s influence and popularity.
She argued that Mudavadi and Kalonzo - who are part of the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) - are only placing themselves in a pole position to bargain for power in 2022. “OKA members are mobilising themselves to bargain for lower positions in 2022.
“There will only be two horses in the race, Raila and Ruto. Raila’s setback in past elections was lacking the blessings of the deep state and access to government machinery but not numbers. He has therefore strived to endear himself to Uhuru who has a vast say in the deep state,” Kisiang’ani opined.
She, nonetheless, expects more coalitions to surface in 2022 and OKA, she stated, will seemingly align itself with the two horses in the race.
University of Nairobi lecturer and political analyst, Dr, Jane Thuo, stated that one of Raila's tactics to position himself as a formidable force in 2022 would be consolidating his strongholds and keeping his allies closer.
The former Prime Minister, she advised, would be better off holding on to NASA co-principals who are perceived to be kingpins in Raila’s fortresses.
"If Musyoka breaks away from OKA, the alliance will remain feeble with the likes of Mudavadi and Wetangula coming from the same community. KANU leader Gideon Moi is wavering and cannot be trusted as he is still unsure of his future.
"The junior Moi is also struggling to cement his name in the political arena and the three would not have much influence," University of Nairobi lecturer and political analyst, Dr Jane Thuo told Kenyans.co.ke.
With NASA members parting ways, Raila has shifted his focus on strategising how the country can be better governed and has been vocal on social media, championing for the rights of civil servants, workers and also unveiled his blueprint for the 2022 succession race.
