Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga says he has no powers to anoint ODM leader Raila Odinga’s successor as Nyanza region’s kingpin and that he has not picked any politician to take over from Raila as the next Luo or opposition leader.
“There is no political vacuum as yet to be filled by anyone. Raila is still firmly on the steering wheel and is doing well,’’ said Oburu.
He spoke amid raging storm over his recent remarks that National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi was tipped to be Raila’s successor.
The statement, Oburu said, had been misinterpreted, to appear as if he had anointed Wandayi.
“I only encouraged Wandayi to work hard. I did not anoint him. I said he is doing well and he is among those in Raila’s line to watch in future.’
The Siaya Senator said the succession matter is something that could present itself in future but it should not raise alarm.
“We have many young and experienced old people who can still emerge. All of them have equal chances to lead,” Oburu told the press in Kisumu.
Oburu also said Raila’s age mates could not possibly feature as successors, dismissing Governors Anyang Nyongo and James Orengo.
“How do you talk of Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o and Siaya Governor James Orengo, as possible successors, look at their ages,” he explained, adding that some succession suggestions were “outrageous and not politically feasible”, or even tenable.
