The winds of change are blowing.
The political landscape is shifting and political realignments are underway as leaders jump ship and change camps to position themselves for victory in the high-stakes 2022 General Election.
Tectonic shifts are being witnessed as politicians rush against time to identify with a popular political party well before the August 9 polls.
Three political formations dominate — Deputy President William Ruto and his hustler movement, ODM leader Raila Odinga who has the backing of President Uhuru Kenyatta and the One Kenya Alliance.
OKA is buffeted by confusion and competition over who will fly the presidential flag. It brings together Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Gideon Moi (Kanu) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya).
The DP, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mudavadi are beneficiaries of the regroupings in the last few weeks.
The main casualty of the regroupings and shifting alliances is the tattered ruling Jubilee Party. Some of its stalwarts are exiting to the newly rebranded United Democratic Movement, associated with DP Ruto.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's camp suffered a staggering blow after some previously staunch loyalists from his Central backyard became hustlers.
The surprise switch of at least eight politicians to Tangatanga could firm up Ruto's effort to turn the tables on Uhuru in Mt Kenya.
The haemorrhage could also undermine a move by the President and his handshake partner Raila to field a joint presidential candidate against Ruto.
Uhuru and Ruto are now adversaries.
Recent converts to Ruto’s hustler nation team include Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba, Nakuru Town East David Gikaria and Subukia’s Samuel Gachobe.
Last week, former Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma abandoned Gideon Moi and his Kanu to rejoin UDA.
Cherang’any MP Joshua Kutuny over the weekend told his constituents that the Ruto and UDA wave was strong in Rift Valley and hinted he will support the DP.
With crumbling of the Building Bridges Initiative — a power game plan between Uhuru and Raila — a number of MPs and governors have started to openly endorse the DP. Previously they had been whipped by the state to support BBI.
Two weeks ago, days after the Appeal Court voided the BBI process, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu went back to the hustler movement and was received by the DP at his Karen residence. Previously, he had shifted to Kanu.
Outgoing Migori Governor Okoth Obado has also indicated he will work with Ruto.
Former Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has also aligned his Chama Cha Mashinani to support the DP.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has been blowing hot and cold in her support for Raila, and has signaled likelihood of working with Ruto.
In the last few days, the former Devolution CS has said defending her seat on the dying Jubilee ticket will be an uphill task.
Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, Waiguru said she cannot rule out working with Ruto in 2022.
Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga said the country will witness an exodus, especially from Jubilee to UDA.
“The exodus from the ruling party and trooping into the UDA/ hustler movement will be a spectacle, more than the wildebeests migration wonder. Tighten your seatbelts,” Omanga said.
Omanga is one of the Jubilee legislators dragged to the Jubilee disciplinary Committee for allegedly defying party’s position.
In April, while speaking during an interview with a local station, Ruto said he was in talks with many politicians. He said they were waiting for the the right time to cross over to his Tangatanga camp.
He said most of those politicians feared publicly embracing him for fear of being victimised by state agencies.
Raila’s camp has benefited from the ongoing realignments, getting support of political heavyweights who were hitherto opposed to his presidential bid.
Last week, Raila secured crucial support from the Meru community led by Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
Kiraitu, a man who has been in the trenches with Raila, switched his support from National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi to the former Prime Minister.
Besides Kiraitu, other governors announced they will support Raila. They are James Nyoro (Kiambu) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia).
MPs also announced they would support Raila. They include National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya (Kipipiri), Maoka Maore (Igembe North), Kanini Kega (Kieni) and Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa).
Others are Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Maina Kamanda (nominated), Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo), Mary Wamaua (Maragua) and Joseph Nduati (Gatanga).
Last week on Thursday, Raila was also endorsed by former Education assistant minister Kilemi Mwiria, former PS Mutea Iringo, acting Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu, former Justice Aaron Ringera and BBI Secretariat member Dr Sarah Kilemi, among others.
ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna said the party will continue attracting like-minded leaders.
“I assure all those who have joined our party because this is the most democratic party in the country. That is why our party leader started the journey to unite the country under Azimio la Umoja.
"As a party we believe politics is about persuasion, we are not demanding anybody to pay any debts,” Sifuna said.
Mudavadi has also bagged Nairobi Senator Jonson Sakaja who switched from Uhuru’s camp to the Oka outfit.
Sirma, the new convert in Ruto’s camp, said leaders are switching camps after gauging and listening to what their supporters want.
The told the Star, “Politics are local at the end of the day. You keenly listen to the direction where the winning team is heading to. As in Rift Valley, Ruto’s wave is strong and no one will resist it.
"That's why most of the leaders in the entire Rift Valley are supporting him."
(Edited by V. Graham)
