This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
Deputy President William Ruto's camp has gained a significant boost with the defection of Caroli Omondi, a key ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga. The move comes as 2022 political realignments start to take shape.
Caroli Omondi, who served as Raila's Chief of Staff during his tenure as Prime Minister, has openly declared his support for Deputy President William Ruto's 2022 ambition to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Caroli's move to join Ruto's camp is seen as a major blow to Raila's bid to consolidate his Nyanza turf. The opposition chief's former Chief of Staff was a key figure in Raila's 2013 unsuccessful presidential bid campaign team and had also contested for the Suba South Member of Parliament seat in 2017.
Caroli's defection is not an isolated incident, as former Senators Hassan Omar, Boni Khalwale, and Johnston Muthama have already declared their support to the second in command. According to reports, the three former lawmakers and Caroli Omondi are expected to play a major role in DP Ruto's campaign team.
Former Senator Boni Khalwale stated, 'We are going to outwit our opponents once the country is opened.'
Former Senator Johnston Muthama added, 'As a country, we need to rethink our position in many matters, and the country should embrace change.'
