ODM leader Raila Odinga is backed by key regional heavyweights playing pivotal roles in firing up his 2022 presidential campaigns.
Raila, who enjoys a larger-than-life status in government despite having no formal role, is set to unveil his presidential bid on December 9.
The political giants in their regions are providing Raila the much- needed impetus to assemble a roaring political machine to face Deputy President William Ruto.
Ruto, who is plotting his debut as president next year, has laughed off Raila's presumed candidature, saying he will vanquish him and send him into retirement.
However, Ruto is opposed by the government and the so-called 'system' is openly campaigning against him.
Critically, Raila is enjoying the support of some of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s confidants across the country.
At least 17 governors are supporting him, including seven Mt Kenya county bosses who are aggressively campaigning for the former prime minister.
The inclusion of some of the President’s men as well as influential regional bigwigs has made Raila a formidable force in the Uhuru succession battle against beleaguered Ruto.
Raila has drafted an elaborate strategy, bringing friendly governors to the centre of his campaigns.
The Star has established Raila has given his allied governors a free hand to lead his campaigns in their regions, cascading down the command centres to the grassroots.
On Thursday, Kieni MP Kanini Kega, a key Raila ally from Mt Kenya, admitted the former prime minister’s campaigns have received a shot in the arm from regional leaders.
“A lot is going to happen in the next few months as the contest takes shape, but I can assure you Raila is the only presidential candidate with influential regional leaders on his team,” Kega said. He is a close confidant of the President.
The chairman of the National Assembly Budget committee is among the MPs from President Kenyatta’s Mt Kenya backyard who are driving Raila’s campaign.
“It is time for a Raila presidency,” Kega declared.
Others are Maina Kamanda (nominated), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa), Sabina Chege (Murang'a) and Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town).
Governors too are powering Raila's Mt Kenya crusade.
Governors Nderitu Muriithi (Laikipia) and Nakuru’s Lee Kinyanjui are forcefully pushing for Raila, accompanying him on his numerous trips across the country.
They are also the face of the Kikuyu campaigns in the diaspora and Raila often gives them time to address his campaign rallies outside the region.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who was initially the face of Raila's campaigns in the region, defected to Ruto's camp.
As part of the strategy to woo Mt Kenya natives in the diaspora, Muriithi and Kinyanjui have been speaking in their mother tongue to make a connection with their people.
Kinyanjui said the country’s political landscape has shifted in favour of the ODM boss.
“I may not have voted for Raila in the past, but I can assure you that in 2022 I will cast my vote for the former prime minister,” the Ubuntu Party leader said.
Considered one of the few confidants of the President, the Laikipia governor is expected to take over Ruto’s role as the Jubilee deputy party leader during the National Delegates Convention, which is expected soon.
The elevation would put Kinyanjui at the very centre of the President’s Mt Kenya succession. Widespread reports indicate that whoever Jubilee picks to be second in command might end up being Raila’s running mate.
Muriithi, the Party of National Unity leader, has been accompanying Raila to numerous places, earning himself a place among the few of ex-PM's allies in Mt Kenya region.
The governor on Thursday said the people of Kenya are presented with a great opportunity to take control of their future by voting in leaders who will serve them with dedication.
“Critics initially dismissed Raila’s efforts to penetrate the Mt Kenya region, but the last few months have sent them back to the drawing board. Baba (Raila) has climbed the mountain,” Muriithi said.
Other governors propelling Raila's campaigns in Central include Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Martin Wambora (Embu) and Kiambu's James Nyoro.
Northeastern is another critical area where Raila is pushing to firm up his grip through regional leaders.
A group of leaders from the region led by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani and Jubilee coalition joint secretary Adan Keynan recently formed a lobby group to marketRaila.
The Upya Movement has declared Raila is the region’s presidential candidate.
The group recently met the influential Mt Kenya Foundation, a panel of businessmen and tycoons who also signalled their support for the ODM boss.
Isiolo Governor Mohamed Kuti, Garissa county boss Ali Korane and Wajir’s Ahmed Muktar are openly backing Raila.
The governors’ backing of Raila has turned the tables on Ruto’s strategy to consolidate the region’s votes with a view to replicating Jubilee's sweep in the 2017 polls.
Keynan said on Thursday the region will follow the political direction dictated by the President and Raila, which includes kicking out DP Ruto from the region.
“I can assure you we are firmly in the handshake and we support the Azimio La Umoja campaigns to unite the country,” he said, insisting the region will vote as a bloc in 2022.
Away from Northeastern, Raila’s campaigns at the Coast are being propelled by Governors Joho of Mombasa, Fahim Twaha of Lamu and Godhana Dhadho of Tana River.
Twaha two weeks ago hosted Raila and declared his support, saying he is the only leader who will change the region's economic fortunes.
Others are Lands Chief Administrative Secretary Gideon Mung’aro, Mombasa businessman and ODM stalwart Suleiman Shaball and Mvita MP Abdullswamad Nassir.
Nassir told the Star the region will be safe under a Raila presidency, saying the ODM boss will sweep the region.
“The ODM boss’ campaigns are structured and well-coordinated by ODM leaders and our partners,” he said.
In Western Kenya, Raila is facing threats from ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi. But Raila's campaigns are driven by Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.
Others are governors Wilber Ottichilo (Vihiga), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia) and Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma).
Oparanya emphasised that ODM heavyweights from the region will not let Raila down in consolidating the Western bloc in 2022.
“We have established campaign management committees across the region to ensure our rivals have no chance,” he said.
In the Rift Valley, Raila now has the backing of West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos.
On Tuesday, the two pledged to back Raila for president, in a major blow to DP Ruto's efforts to consolidate the Rift Valley.
Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku and Petroleum CAS John Munyes are gravitating towards Raila.
In the Kisii region, Governor James Ongwae, Raila's former chief campaigner, is leading the offensive and ODM national treasurer Timothy Bosire is also on the team.
Powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has declared his support for the ODM boss.
Political analyst Dismas Mokua said Raila's campaigns have a national face making him easily marketable.
"Raila has been in this game for a long time," Mokua said. "I am not surprised he is assembling a major campaign team that represents the country."
(Edited by V. Graham)
