A youthful party leader, two cabinet secretaries, and a former strong Raila critic from Mt Kenya are said to be members of a political summit being cobbled by ODM leader Raila Odinga set to be unveiled in September. Sources within the corridors of power reveal the team will have young leaders among its principals, something which has partly been informed by Mr. Odinga’s need to appeal to first-time voters, who are part of the majority youthful vote
“The summit that Jakom is working on will have a youthful leader as one of the key principals,” one source is quoted on a local publication.
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The announcement by the former PM’s new political allies come exactly a year to the general elections, and is believed will mark the beginning of intense political activities across the country, drumming up support for his fifth stub at the presidency next year.
Already, his perceived competitor, DP William Ruto is crisscrossing the nation campaigning for his bid, and allies of Mr. Odinga warn they could be running out of time in trying to catch up with the DP who has been campaigning for three years straight, from 2018.
Last week, ODM resolved to leave NASA and seek fresh negotiations with new friends as well as renegotiating with old partners in the troubled alliance.
Next week Friday Mr. Odinga convenes the first meeting of his 2022 allies from Nyanza in Homabay, hosted by Governor Cyprian Awiti. Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, Kisii Governor James Ongwae and Luo Nyanza governors will be in attendance.
”We will be visiting all parts of the country to listen to issues that concern the people, the kind of political direction they want us to take and develop action points before we decide which way to go by the end of August,” Suna East MP Junet Mohamed says.
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The team heads to Kakamega on Saturday to hold a similar meeting hosted by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and CS Eugene Wamalwa. Governors and leaders from Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia counties have confirmed attendance. President Uhuru’s tour of the region kicks off the following day.
Kakamega Governor and the CS Wamalwa will be Mr. Odinga’s 2022 point men in the region.
From Kakamega, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho will play the host at the Coast, where all leaders from the larger Coastal region supporting Mr. Odinga’s bid will be present. Governors of Tana River, Taita Taveta, and Lamu are expected to be in attendance. There are also reports of Mr. Odinga’s team reaching out to Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi and Kwale’s Salim Mvurya who have been championing for a Coast-based political party.
Once all the regions are covered and teams assembled, the secretariat of the presidential campaigns will be unveiled in Nairobi at a grand national event, where the team will be formally presented to Kenyans.
