Why Raila, Ruto tiff could save impeached Siaya deputy governor in Senate

President William Ruto, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba and Azimio leader Raila Odinga at Kipkeino Classic championship at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani. [Emmanuel Wanson

In the face of Azimio's active campaign against 'rebels', it is expected that in case of a vote, most of the coalition's senators will endorse Oduol's impeachment.

Courtesy of their superior numbers, Kenya Kwanza has won in all the major votes, a factor that could work in Oduol's favour if the president's coalition rallies behind him.

Voting on impeachment motions has mostly been along partisan lines. Political correctness has ensured the survival of governors, with those on the wrong side of the fence suffering dire consequences.

Former governors Mike Sonko (Nairobi) and Ferdinand Waititu's (Kiambu) political choices made them vulnerable to Raila's handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with Kirinyaga's Anne Waiguru surviving with the backing of the same truce in 2020.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said Kenya Kwanza would not be drawn into personal wars of any kind.

Settle political scores

"The Senate of the Republic of Kenya does not settle political scores or facilitate political witch-hunt or political competition (upon) which it looks like the impeachment of the DG (Oduol) is anchored," he said, a statement that could signal the direction in which the vote could take.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said it would be unfortunate if Kenya Kwanza Senators used their numbers to save Oduol in disregard of whatever evidence will be provided.

"If they save him in that way then we will know it is purely politics. They must look at the facts because this is a problem that can arise anywhere," said Maanzo, revealing his bias on the matter courtesy of his friendship with Orengo and the fact that the governor is his "mentor".

"I'll be biased unless Oduol has a good case against Orengo. But facts will speak for themselves and we will be fair. If Oduol broke the law by providing misleading information against the governor, which is a criminal offence, then he must pay the price. But if he has the evidence on his allegations he should present them," Maanzo said.

Wrong impression

Nyandarua Senator John Methu said Kenya Kwanza would be objective during the proceedings. "It is imperative that we first get the contents of the proceedings so we do not draw wrong impressions. We shall be impartial and deal with it."

Both sides of the divide have seized every chance at a scuffle, which has seeped into the ongoing bipartisan talks that have all but flopped. Raila has engaged with Ruto in street demonstrations over the cost of living and electoral reforms, with the Finance Bill currently providing political fodder for the opposition in their criticism of the government.

On his part, Ruto has been scouting for the chance to stir up a hornet's nest in the opposition, initiating waves of defections that have rocked Azimio. In recent months, Ruto has successfully wooed ODM lawmakers from Raila's Nyanza backyard, rattling the former prime minister's party.