Ukambani governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) have locked Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka out of planned Raila Odinga’s visit to the region.
The ODM leader is today expected to take his ‘Azimio la Umoja’ (quest for unity) campaign to the lower Eastern region with strong indications that he may be courting the three governors.
This is after his 2013 and 2017 presidential running mate Kalonzo Musyoka vowed not to play a second fiddle to the former Prime Minister who will be giving his fifth stab at the presidency.
Raila is expected to meet leaders from Kitui, Machakos, and Makueni in Wote town before addressing political rallies in Wote and Emali towns.
“I will sit with delegates from the three counties and use the opportunity to get their ideas. I am looking for partners and not followers,” said Raila.
Addressing the Kamba community through a local Radio station, the presidential hopeful who has met Ukambani governors two times in a week pledged to work with Kamba leaders to continue with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy after the 2022 elections.
“The Kamba people have space to bring change in this country and that is why I want to work with them,” said Raila during an interview with Mbaitu FM.
While the move by Ukambani governors to elbow out Kalonzo Musyoka in Raila Odinga’s visit appears to have not settled well with the Wiper camp that has downplayed the scheme terming it ‘inconsequential’, Raila has since denied sidelining the Wiper team.
Raila said he started working with Charity Ngilu and Kivutha Kibwana while Kalonzo was still in Kanu.
“I did not start working with them yesterday. They have been working with Kalonzo too. I was with them in the trenches so they are not new to me. We have been together during bad times. We have been tear-gassed together,” the ODM leader said.
