This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
August 21, 2019
ODM leader Raila Odinga is building a formidable team ahead of the 2022 elections, with a mix of new and familiar faces from former opposition strongholds.
Among those who have joined Raila's team are former ODM stalwarts like Rachel Shebesh, who are making a comeback to the Orange Party. The AU Envoy has also courted new allies from Mt Kenya and the Rift Valley regions, using his influence in government to secure their support.
Notable figures from Mt Kenya include Anne Waiguru, a former Raila critic who has now rallied behind President Uhuru and Raila Odinga. Waiguru has emerged as a strong defender of the president in a region facing leadership uncertainty if President Uhuru exits the stage in 2022.
“Raila Odinga is my friend, he is my political ally. We discuss serious talks. We had a history but we settled that,” said Waiguru during a recent interview.
Waiguru praised Raila as a great leader who has shown he can be trusted with issues affecting women and women leadership, adding that Odinga has remained consistent in creating spaces for women.
Other notable figures from Mt Kenya in Raila's team include Peter Munya, the current Trade and Industrialization CS, and Priscilla Nyokabi, Ngunjiri Wambugu, and Sabina Chege.
In the Rift Valley, Raila has successfully courted Isaac Rutto, Franklin Bett, and MP Joshua Kutuny, who has become a harsh critic of DP Ruto. Long-time Raila confidant Micah Kigen says Raila Odinga is a pro-people politician who has perfected his strategy to create a team with anyone.
“There is no problem in what he is doing. Kenyans are appreciating. It is all about politics. This country is looking for a leader who can take this country forward and not those chest-thumping. A leader who can deal with corruption and reduce taxes that have burdened Kenyans and that person is none other than Raila,” he said.
