This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On Thursday evening, ODM leader Raila Odinga was forced out of his car in Lodwar after an enthusiastic crowd blocked the AU Envoy's convoy from the airstrip, demanding he address them. Raila was in the county for the annual Turkana Tourism and Cultural Festival, Tobong'u Lore.
Hours before Odinga's arrival, DP William Ruto was in the county and had to make an early exit. Turkana County has been an ODM base for years and has always rallied behind Raila Odinga since 2007.
DP William Ruto and his strategists have been trying to pull the rug under Raila's feet, making five trips to Turkana over the last two months alone. The visits are intended to pitch tent for his 2022 bid.
Following Governor Josephat Nanok's defection to DP Ruto's camp, he has been seen firing salvos at Raila Odinga and the former premier's push to have the constitution amended.
“I don't want to be governor by having the constitution changed. We must pave way for other people to lead. Those telling us about constitutional changes should spare us,” Governor Nanok said last month.
“We don't want a scenario where Turkana will be no more. That we are being told that we either operate from Eldoret or Nakuru. We have 14 governors in Rift Valley and we shall speak in one voice. We must bring presidency home,” he added.
When Governor Nanok broke ranks with the ODM Party, he was immediately replaced by Loima MP Jeremiah Lomorukai as the party's Vice Chair. The ODM Party NEC unanimously resolved to replace Governor Josphat Nanok with Loima MP Hon Jeremiah Lomorukai on June 28th.
