Ahead of the August general elections, the Azimio La Umoja movement, led by ODM leader Raila Odinga, has gotten a major boost, as veterans from the Rift Valley chose to cooperate with Raila rather than Ruto. Following concerns that Deputy President William Ruto prefers to engage with younger politicians from the region in his presidential campaign, veteran political heavyweights from the Rift Valley are flocking to the Azimio La Umoja .
Politicians from the Rift Valley and other parts of the country are gradually warming to Raila’ s movement, and the number of those switching sides is expected to rise as the August elections approach. DP Ruto has made it clear that he prefers younger politicians, leaving veterans gasping for air as they try to get his attention.
Raila met with high- profile officials from the region last Thursday, Senate Deputy Speaker Margaret Kamar and former Cabinet Minister Sally Kosgey, who expressed their willingness to collaborate with him as he bids to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is stepping down in August.
Former Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo, Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Linah Jebii Kilimo, and former Bureti MP Paul Sang (who have now been tasked with promoting Azimio in the region), former MPs Stephen Tarus (Emgwen), Joseph Misoi (Eldoret South), and ODM North Rift coordinator Kipkorir arap (who have now been tasked with promoting Azimio in the region).
Decamping to Azimio has only begun, according to Menjo, and many lawmakers are on their way to join the cause. ” There were a lot of other top personalities there who didn’ t want their pictures taken. ” People would have been surprised at the latest developments if they had been, ” he told People Daily.
He stated that many veterans believe Raila’ s Azimio Movement is conciliatory and has government support, which is why many are abandoning other parties to join Azimio.
” No one wants to be left out of the government of Azimio La Umoja, ” he added. Despite the impression that the region is DP Ruto’ s stronghold, the governor, who was there with other leaders when Raila welcomed them, expressed optimism that the ODM leader was gaining support in the region.
Kamar was attempting a comeback following a failed bid to become the first governor of Uasin Gishu in 2013, when she ran on ODM and was defeated by Jackson Mandago.
Political expert Philip Chebunet, on the other hand, believes that those who left may not have a lot of political clout, and that Ruto still has strong support in the region.
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