LIST OF TOP POLITICIANS THAT HAVE DESERTED RAILA ODINGA

With talk of Ruto meeting ODM Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya, it emerges there is a worrying trend of top politicians leaving Raila Odinga and ODM Party.

1. Salim Mvurya

Mvurya was the first profile politician to leave Raila Odinga on eve of last general elections. He spectacularly announced that he was dumping ODM for Jubilee Party. Many thought he was doing a political suicide because ODM was the most popular party in Coast at the time. It seemed Mvurya had his homework done as he went on to defend his gubernatorial seat successfully.

2. Musalia Mudavadi

Musalia Mudavadi has been an integral member of Raila Odinga. He has helped Raila Odinga consolidate Western and Nyanza votes. His departure might see Raila lose a key and loyal lieutenant in the region.

Musalia has now teamed up with other politicians (pictured below) in a move that seemingly excludes Raila. Although a NASA principal, Musalia did not get any government post or appointment when Raila went into a working relationship with Uhuru Kenyatta.

3. Moses Wetangula

Moses Wetangula has been a principal in both NASA and CORD coalitions. In both coalitions, he has been the only member to win his contested position making him play an integral role in advancing interests of the coalitions.

His fall out with Raila Odinga started when he was unceremoniously removed from Senate Minority Leader position and replaced with Siaya Senator James Orengo. He has officially joined One Kenya Alliance making Raila lose another politician in Western Region.

4. Kalonzo Musyoka

Kalonzo Musyoka has in two times of asking given Raila a fighting chance. He has delivered to Raila over 1 million votes from Lower Eastern region twice. Raila might find it hard getting another running mate who is not only popular but commands over 1 million votes.

5. Amason Kingi

The die is not cast yet but it is evident there is trouble in paradise. Amason Kingi has been relentless in pushing for a coastal party. This means that he is no longer interested being a member of ODM. With Kwale governor already dumping ODM, loss of Amason Kingi and Kilifi County will leave a big dent to Raila and ODM Party.

6. Wycliffe Oparanya

Raila will be praying hard that talks about Oparanya joining William Ruto is just hearsay. Oparanya is probably the last influential politician in Luhya region representing ODM. Not only has he been elected on an ODM ticket but he is also the party’s deputy leader.

The loss of the above politicians is worrying because they represent regions that Raila enjoys support. If they do not reconcile Raila might lose key votes in Coast, Eastern and Western Regions.