This archive report was first published on 4 July 2021.
On Sunday, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga was holed up at the Coast, holding a series of secret meetings with politicians from his party and those warming up to his side.
According to sources within the ODM party, Raila's strategy is to counter possible political attacks by Deputy President William Ruto, who is keen to shake off the popularity of the Orange Party in the region.
With Mombasa governor Hassan Joho and his Kilifi counterpart Amason Kingi set to exit office next year, Raila is reportedly grooming new leaders to take their place.
Among those he is said to be grooming include Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir, Taita Taveta governor Granton Samboja, chief administrative secretary and Kilifi politician Gideon Mung'aro, Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire, Kwale senator Issa Juma Boy, and women rep Zuleikha Hassan.
On Sunday, Raila met politicians from Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta at his Nyali residence, a move seen as a new strategy to maintain control of the Coast region.
"There will be a fair nomination process. As the ODM leader I will not endorse anyone for the governorship. The voters will have the final say on who becomes their next governor," Raila said, following pressure from Nassir's supporters that he endorse him for the seat.
However, Nassir clarified that Raila did not come to endorse him for governorship but instead was around to launch the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) medical cover for his constituency that will serve 12,000 families.
