Raila Odinga’s foot soldiers in the Western and Nyanza regions are divided as they position themselves for top county seats in the 2022 General Election.
The political jostling is posing a huge dilemma for the oposition leader in those areas where he commands a huge following ahead of next years General Election.
For instance, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o is at loggerheads with Senator Fred Outa who is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2022 as Nyong’o looks to defend the same seat.
Outa who was among the key campaigners of Nyong’o in 2017 has said governor Nyong’o should prepare to exit 2022.
“The Kisumu governor seat is mine and (Anyan’g) Nyong’o should prepare to go home,” Outa said. in his latest media interview.
Furthermore, Raila’s younger sister Ruth Odinga is said to be angling for the same seat. She was the deputy governor between 2013-2017.
In Siaya two of Raila’s close allies Senator James Orengo and ODM secretary for Political Affairs and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wundanyi are both angling to succeed Cornel Rasanga who is serving his final term.
The same trend has entered in Migori county where several Raila Odinga’s liutenants have expressed their interests to succeed retiring Governor, Okoth Obado.
In Homa Bay county for instance, close to ten seasoned politicians – all royalists to the former prime minister- are angling for the gubernatorial seat.
ODM party National Chair John Mbadi, who is serving his third term as a Member of Parliament is among the long list angling for the seat.
“Our party believed in democracy and I will present myself just like other candidates for the contest,” he said as quoted by the Daily Nation.
Mbadi will have to wrestle with former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero as well as current Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga who are both Raila’s close confidants.
According to analysts, the rift among Raila’s political friends is likely to dim Odinga’s presidential ambitions if not timely resolved.
