Quest to dislodge Raila from key support regions picks momentum

Politicians and pundits who spoke to The Sunday Standard said Raila was exposed after losing the presidential contest since he has nothing to offer his electorate and foot soldiers while in Opposition.

They said Ruto, Gachagua and Musalia are consolidating regions where Raila has had a strong influence to prepare for the 2027 and 2032 elections.

Last Wednesday, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya said he is done supporting Raila's political ambitions.

"I am offering myself from now to lead the unity drive of our people. I am done with Raila, and even if he bad-mouths me, God forbid, he knows, he will not be forgiven," Oparanya said.

His major beef is the manner various positions in the parliamentary leadership and East African Legislative Assembly were distributed to the detriment of Western region.

ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, however, said the party's voting bloc is still intact but he was not in a position to respond to Oparanya, who was his senior in the party.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

Led by Western Region MPs Caucus Chairman, Sirisia MP John Waluke, they expressed their commitment to the region's unity.

"We discussed and agreed on the unity of purpose by leaders and the sharing of national resources for the region's social-economic development," Waluke told the media.

A revolt was also building in Nyanza, where former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo are slowly scheming to end Raila's hold on the region.

Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) vice chairman Buka Ngesa Omole said Raila's poor management of his campaigns cost him victory and made many people lose political hope in him, and are thus ready to work with his competitors

"Age and energy are not on Raila's side, but I won't be surprised if he bounces back. However, if he goes home, many strong and sober politicians will come up, and it will be good for this nation," Buka said.

Raila's hope of consolidating the gains he made in Mt Kenya have also vaporised after Azimio leaders switched their allegiance to Gachagua.

Paid debt

Jubilee Party Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni said they had also paid Raila's debt and were confident about moving forward as a community.

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu also said they will respect and work with Gachagua since he is the only one from the region holding a higher office in the country.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [DPPS]

"The debt Raila wanted to be paid has been paid. For the first time, Raila got the highest number of votes in Mt Kenya, and it's now time to move on," he said.

"Rigathi is our current leader in Mt Kenya. We will unite under him and ensure that we remain strong," he added.

Ngunjiri said the current political realignments were taking shape since Kenyans wanted to improve their lives.

"People will judge this government very early. Kenyans are looking at people who will take care of their interests now and in 2027," he said.

Political analyst Peter Bonge said Kenyans will be looking for people who can protect their interests and allow them to decide what policies should be implemented.

"There are going to be many realignments, and in areas like Ukambani, we are expecting Raila to endorse Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka," he said.

Bonge claimed Raila's absence from government provided an opportunity for his opponents to weaken him politically.

His sentiments were also echoed by Buka, who said Raila was losing backers because of the way he structured his campaigns and his relationships with other politicians.