ODM leader Raila Odinga’s State House bid appears to be gaining support after several political parties have thrown their weight behind the former Prime Minister.
With more than 75 registered political parties in Kenya, the number of new political outfits is expected to be registered mainly by second-term governors and regional kingpins as they seek to remain politically relevant after serving their second and final terms.
However, it is understood that not all the 75 registered political parties will field presidential candidates thus some will enter into coalitions with the bigger parties.
And with exactly 8 months to the 2022 General Election, Kivumbi.co.ke has compiled a list of political parties that have thrown their weight behind the ODM leader Raila Odinga as he faces off with deputy president William Ruto for the country’s top office on land.
- Jubilee party
A few months ago, the ruling party initiated coalition talks with opposition party ODM which were aimed at supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga’s State House bid.
On Friday, December 10, the ruling party is expected to formalize its coalition pact with that of ODM leader Raila Odinga in a landmark move that would see the Jubilee party support Raila’s 2022 presidential bid.
In their apparent bid to unite Kenyans, the two parties hope that the coalition will change the 2022 political game plan whose main challenger appears to be William Ruto.
“We want to be more accommodative and ensure that we bring all Kenyans together. We are ready to listen to those who may disagree with us. We want everybody on board because we are not in the domain of disrespecting others,” said Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju.
- Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP)
Last month, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi launched the Devolution Empowerment Party to champion the interests of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region.
Kiraitu who is serving his first term as county boss said Kenya was too diverse to be ruled by a single political party urging political parties to get into coalitions to boost their chances of forming the government next year.
He said the party will field all candidates except that of the President stating that it will support ODM leader Raila Odinga’s State House ambition.
“Given the ethnic structure and demographic equation of our country, no single political party can gather the required 50 percent plus one vote and win any election in the first round,” he said.
- Ubuntu People Forum
In October, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui broke his silence on his recent move to form his own political outfit, the Ubuntu People’s Forum (UPF).
UPF is expected to alter the political equation in the huge voting bloc, which has been sending mixed signals on who it will back to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kinyanjui who is being considered as the best running mate to president Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner Raila Odinga admitted that he will defend his gubernatorial seat in the upcoming elections.
It is clear that the party will rally behind the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his State House bid.
- Kenya United Party
West Pokot Governor John Lunyangapuo launched the Kenya United Party to champion the interest of the pastoralist community scattered across more than 10 counties.
The County boss resolved to stick with ODM leader Raila Odinga to the end, saying he is the best suited than all the presidential hopefuls who have declared interest in the presidency.
- Narc Kenya
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has ruled out the possibilities of working with Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto.
Karua who was recently endorsed as Mt Kenya spokesperson has insisted that she will not be contesting for the Presidency in the 2022 General Election.
Although Karua has not publicly declared her support for ODM leader Raila Odinga, all indications are that the party will throw its weight behind the opposition leader.
