‘Outsiders’ Uhuru, Raila, Ruto muddle the politics of western
Former Bahati MP Fred Omido reads elders’ resolutions during a meeting attended by Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (with mask, in blue shirt) and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa (in brown coat) at Ebunangwe Garden Park in Vihiga County on June 14. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Mr Wamalwa and Mr Oparanya have held meetings with the President, sometimes accompanied by delegations from western Kenya.
Mr Wamalwa and Mr Oparanya are being marketed by the State as possible presidential candidates – either as a decoy or serious hopefuls.
Ford-Kenya boss Moses Wetang’ula recently said attempts to dislodge him from the party leadership are part of the wider strategy to install Mr Wamalwa and Oparanya as regional kingpins.
Four presidential hopefuls and various political lobbies, coupled with behind-the-scenes manoeuvres of prominent “outsiders” — Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga — is a mixed grill that has muddied politics in populous western Kenya.
With Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) head Mukhisa Kituyi, Council of Governors chairman Wycliffe Oparanya and (possibly) Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa angling for the presidency, the situation is becoming complex and unpredictable.
