Unlike in the past, Raila Odinga’s tour of western Kenya was marked with poor turnout and the reception was not as warm.
In Sabatia and Budalang’i, the home turfs of ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and MP Ababu Namwamba respectively, Raila encountered hostilities from a section of crowds. At one point, scuffles and insults ensued as his supporters and those of his rivals clashed.
The visit came hot on the heels of rebellion triggered by the resignations of Namwamba and Funyula MP Paul Otuoma. However, Raila put on a brave face stating ODM would pull through. “I know my support in this region is still intact. The people of Western believe in my leadership. They know I am the only one who will liberate them and other Kenyans from ‘the poor leadership’ of the Jubilee administration,” he said in one of the meetings.
Raila changed tactics and at times only met ODM delegates in hotels which means he had read the public mood. He feared being embarrassed in the event people failed to turn up for his rallies.
Raila’s declaration he still enjoys the support of Luhyas did not come as surprise. As a seasoned politician, you would not expect him to accept that he has lost out.
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During the 2007 and 2013 elections, majority of voters in Western region rallied behind him. However, Raila is not assured of the same support come 2017? This time round, Raila will face strong challenges from President Kenyatta and Mudavadi.
Jubilee has initiated many development projects in the region and revived those that had collapsed. Already, Mumias Sugar Company is back on its feet after the Government bailed it out. Besides, Jubilee has managed to get an investor to revive Webuye-based Pan Paper Mills, which is set to employ 1,500 locals. These efforts have endeared the President to locals.
However, Raila is working so hard to counter Kenyatta’s popularity in the region. In one of the forums, Raila said he initiated tarmacking of several roads during his tenure as a Prime Minister but President Kenyatta, then Finance minister, refused to release the needed funds.
