The new Raila Odinga’s political vehicle, The Azimio La Umoja Movement forays to his political nemesis Deputy President William Ruto’s Rift Valley backyard is bearing fruits amid mass exodus of influential leaders to Raila’s camp.
Despite the DP’s popularity in the region and entrenching support for his new United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party as his preferred sponsoring party for his August 9 State House bid, key opinion shapers and seasoned politicians from his backyard are gradually finding comfort in Raila’s movement and it is expected the number of those shifting camps will go up as August elections near.
Recently, Odinga received high profile figures from the region led by Senate Deputy Speaker Margaret Kamar, former powerful Cabinet Minister Sally Kosgey, former Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Linah Jebii Kilimo and former Bureti Member of Parliament (MP) Paul Sang who has now been handed the task of promoting Azimio in the region.
The veteran political and administrative figures seem to feel more at home as the former Prime Minister was accommodative and had the support of the government and enjoyed a higher chance of forming the next government.
Senator Kamar had already announced that she will be vying for the Uasin Gishu governor seat in the August 9 polls.
“The Deputy President William Ruto will feel the heat. These are seasoned political and administrative figures who have served in the government and cannot be ignored.” A source privy with the new political realignments in the Rift Valley said.
Kimaiyo on the other hand is eyeing the Elgeyo Marakwet senatorial seat.
Earlier, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) director of communications Philip Etale had said they were set to receive new entrants into the party.
The Rift leaders were joined by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos.
Tolgos has been candid in his support for the ODM leader after he fell out with deputy president William Ruto.
Kamar on the other hand has been leaning on the Handshake team ever since the DP’s relationship with the President went south.
