ODM leader Raila Odinga is set to storm Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukambani backyard as talks between the two remain in limbo.
Raila will be in Makueni on Friday for crucial talks with opinion leaders from Lower Eastern — where he will be endorsed for the presidency — followed by a mega rally in Wote.
All the three Ukambani governors have abandoned Kalonzo and are the architects of Raila's Ukambani tour.
Kutui Governor Charity Ngilu, Machakos county boss Alfred Mutua and Makueni’s Kivutha Kibwana are supporting Raila for president.
This week alone, the leaders have met the ODM chief at least twice.
Despite the new political moves, Kalonzo’s foot soldiers appear to have climbed-down from their position that Kalonzo cannot back Raila for a third time, otherwise he'll be deserted..
In fact, Makueni MP Dan Maanzo in whose constituency Raila will hold the meeting said it was just a matter of time before Raila and Kalonzo reunite.
He revealed Friday's meeting will be followed by another also attended by Kalonzo and Raila.
“Baba called me to explain what he is doing. We agreed we will have a subcounty meeting later and he will engage Kalonzo,” the Makueni legislator told the Star.
“He [Raila] was very categorical that he has not declared and is ready to engage. Once he brings the team together, they will agree on the candidate. He wants to form a team with former Nasa plus more partners.
"Once everybody is on board, they are going to get the best candidate.”
Raila has changed tack, trying to expand his political base and is believed to be eying Mt Kenya for a running mate.
There are questions in Kalonzo’s circles as to what role the former Vice President will play with the running mate slot said to have been taken.
Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr told the Star the Wiper boss has the mandate of his party to engage any political divide and form a winning coalition.
He said, however, any arrangement must be guided by mutual respect, understanding and good will.
“His (Kalonzo's) experience does not allow him to be belittled or assumed,” the senator said.
Maanzo, in fact, accused the three governors of driving a wedge between Raila and Kalonzo.
In interviews in Kamba vernacular radio stations, Raila denied sidelining the Wiper team, saying he started working with Ngilu and Kibwana while Kalonzo was still in Kanu.
"I did not start working with them yesterday. They have been working with Kalonzo too. I was with them in the trenches so they are not new to me. We have been together during bad times. We have been tear-gassed together," the ODM leader said.
Raila said his talks with the leaders are centred on change and development, adding that he has equally worked with governors from other regions.
"I must speak with leaders. I have been working with governors in Nyanza, Western, Coast, Northeastern, and Central. Ukambani is not the only place where I am working with governors," the ODM leader said.
Maanzo said both Raila and Kalonzo share the same political ideology and it is just a matter of time before they team up together.
Ironically, two months ago, Maanzo was among leaders who publicly warned Kalonzo against backing Raila again, saying the Kamba nation will never forgive him.
There have been reports of behind-the-scene talks between Raila and Kalonzo.
Raila gave no hint in his Kamba vernacular interviews on Thursday morning of any talks with Kalonzo, but said he is open for negotiations with his former Nasa allies.
I have not said it must be Raila on the ticket. I am ready to talk about anyone vying. That is why you see me delaying to declare my bid officially
The former Prime Minister stated that he is ready to support anyone as he still has room for negotiations with leaders who believe in his Azimio La Umoja drive.
Raila said this was the reason he was yet to officially declare his 2022 presidential bid.
The ODM chief said it’s not mandatory that he must contest for the top job but can only back an individual with the potential of winning.
“I have not said it must be Raila on the ticket. I am ready to talk about anyone vying. That is why you see me delaying to declare my bid officially,” Raila said.
The former PM added that he is consulting Kenyans to inform him whether to proceed with his bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta or not.
“If they tell me I shouldn’t proceed, I will heed the call,” Raila said, citing a repeat of 2002 when the opposition took a long time to agree on a candidate.
“Just like during the Serena talks, I announced I was out and still none accepted to give way. I opted to tell Kenyans 'Kibaki Tosha'. I am ready to support anyone,” he said.
Maanzo chided the three Ukambani governors for driving a wedge between the ODM leader and the former Vice President for selfish reasons.
"They cannot give Raila any votes in Ukambani, they think their association with Raila will save them from being accountable to their misuse of the county funds," he said.
On whether he would pick Kalonzo for his running mate and lose Ukambani votes if otherwise, Raila said a candidate can come from any of the 45 tribes.
The former PM said he has been voted by Kenyans without necessarily tagging their community leader along.
“In 2017, we got votes in Coast yet we don’t come from there as well as Western and Nairobi. I will get votes everywhere. Since I have not declared interest [officially in the top job], we cannot discuss announcing a running mate.”
(Edited by V. Graham)
