Shifts, intrigue as election fever sets in

The race for the presidency is set to trigger major political re-alignments as intrigue continues to rock the opposition coalition, Coalition for Reforms and Democracy, both from within and without.

Leaders from western Kenya are already demanding that one of them must be on the ballot, a move that could complicate matters for Cord, which has enjoyed support in the region in the past.

Indeed, Mr Moses Wetang’ula has asked Mr Raila Odinga to back him for the 2017 race, as has Mr Kalonzo Musyoka.

Sources within Cord said Mr Wetang’ula had approached Mr Odinga’s allies to prevail on him to support his presidential bid.

“Wetang’ula told the last Ford Kenya meeting that whatever happens, his name will be on the ballot paper,” said the source.

Matters have not been helped by the sustained campaigns in the region by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.

The Deputy President has credited himself for the rebellion by ODM lawmakers from the region, led by former party Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba.

Mr Odinga’s allies, led by MP Jakoyo Midiwo, have dismissed those calling on Mr Odinga to endorse them.

In an interview with the Daily Nation, Mr Midiwo said the ODM leader had the right mindset as well as a large number of followers and should, therefore, be Cord’s flagbearer next year.

He admonished Mr Wetang’ula, also the Minority Leader in the Senate, for being critical of Mr Odinga.

“Nobody will disrespect Raila and have our vote. Trust me. That, we will not accept. We will not even imagine it. We can only advise him to temper his pronouncements and look for the (seat) in the right way. He may have a chance,” said Mr Midiwo, also the National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader.

Mr Wetang’ula has denied being critical of Mr Odinga.

“A section of the media has falsely reported that Weta attacked Raila. How do I attack brother Raila when I am seeking his support to presidency,” he asked on Twitter.

SORT OUT ISSUE
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, a close Odinga ally, said that instead of fighting the ODM leader, Mr Wetang’ula and Mr Musyoka should target Jubilee, who are their political rivals.

“Fighting Raila is not an option because what he is holding is the leadership of the Opposition. If you want to take the leadership, you must train your guns on Jubilee,” said Mr Mohamed.

Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar dismissed the growing narrative that since Mr Odinga had failed in three presidential bids —1997, 2007 and 2013 — he should support either Mr Musyoka or Mr Wetang’ula in 2017.

“I’m one of those who are hesitant to subscribe to the theory that Raila can say ‘somebody tosha’ and that somebody wins, but cannot he win himself. The net impact of that statement is that if Raila can’t win, he can’t get someone to win,” he said.

Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire urged Mr Odinga, Mr Musyoka and Mr Wetang’ula to streamline their respective political parties before going for the Cord presidential nominations.

“The three Cord principals should clean up their houses before they sit down to make final decisions, and these should be made by the people, not individuals sitting in board rooms,” said Mr Bosire.

According to him, Mr Odinga’s rallies in western Kenya last week had demonstrated that he was still popular in the region. He said a few protests against the opposition boss were blown out of proportion.

The governing Jubilee coalition has been making forays into Cord strongholds such as the Coast and western Kenya, seeking to wrest the areas from the Opposition.

As a result, differences are emerging in Cord over the likely presidential candidate.

On Sunday, while Jubilee leaders were categorical that they expected to reap from their sustained tours in western and Kisii regions, their Cord counterparts warned that any attempts to block Mr Odinga from vying for the presidency would fail.

MAJOR CHANGES
Leaders from both coalitions told voters to expect major political shifts, which will affect some of the presidential aspirants in 2017.

Mr Midiwo cautioned Jubilee, whose partner parties plan to merge, to be ready to take a hit in the changes.

“There is so much that is going to change in this country and it is good for all of us, in government and Opposition, to accept that something is about to change,” he said.

“This is not about (Deputy President William) Ruto, Raila, Wetang’ula or anyone else. It is a consequence of the new Constitution,” he explained over the phone.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale concurred that both sides will be affected by the political re-alignments.

He expressed hope that Jubilee will reap the most from its forays in Cord strongholds.

“Political realignments happen all round at a time when elections are about to happen, both in government and Opposition. That is why you are seeing (Kanu chairman) Gideon Moi and (Bomet Governor) Isaac Ruto aligning with the Opposition,” he said over the phone.

He asked Cord leaders to stop blaming Jubilee and resolve their problems.

“Raila should not run away to the US while his house is on fire,” said Mr Duale, referring to Mr Odinga’s decision to attend the Democratic Party convention.