This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
July 1, 2020
Senator George Khaniri's political allegiance has shifted from ODM leader Raila Odinga to ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi, according to sources. Khaniri's decision to abandon Raila's camp is seen as a strategic move to secure the ANC ticket for the 2022 Vihiga governorship election.
As reported by Weekly Citizen, Khaniri won his seat on the ANC ticket but immediately started distancing himself from Mudavadi, instead forming close ties with Raila. This move was seen as a betrayal by some in the Luhya community, who felt that Khaniri was abandoning his roots.
However, Khaniri's game plan is to run on the ANC ticket and convince Mudavadi to support Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi to step down, paving the way for Khaniri to become the ANC candidate for the Vihiga governorship election.
ODM strategists, on the other hand, are pushing for former speaker Kenneth Marende to run on the ODM ticket, citing his popularity in the Bunyore two constituencies. Khaniri's decision to abandon Raila's camp has sparked a heated debate within the Luhya community, with some leaders questioning his loyalty.
As the 2022 elections approach, Khaniri's move is seen as a significant development in the Vihiga governorship election. Will he succeed in his bid to become the ANC candidate, or will ODM's Marende emerge as the frontrunner?
