RAILA/RUTO COALITION STARTS GAINING SHAPE

Kakamega governor and ODM Deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya on Friday, April 9, visited his boss Raila Odinga at his Karen home following what Oparanya called a ‘chance’ meeting with the DP at the Olare Motorogi Conservancy on Thursday, April 8.

Oparanya, who was accompanied by Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, stated that the meeting with Odinga was meant to discuss how the ODM party would be strengthened ahead of the next election in 2022.

Oparanya is also said to have relayed Deputy President William Ruto’s desires of a possible partnership to the ODM party boss.

The Kakamega governor stated that he had scheduled a business meeting at the lodge when he met the DP, former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri and his Sports counterpart Rashid Echesa. 

He indicated that he immediately contacted the party boss to notify him that he had bumped into the DP, who then gave him a go-ahead to meet him.

During their meeting, Oparanya said that they discussed possible alliances which could only be sanctioned by the party. 

The meetings have reignited talks of possible alliances between the DP and Raila ahead of the 2022 general elections.

Oparanya, and his Mombasa counterpart Ali Hassan Joho, have submitted an application to be the Party’s presidential candidates in 2022. 

Recently, the Kakamega governor made remarks that seemed to be contradicting those of his party leader. He had wanted the BBI referendum pushed to next year so that available resources could be used to deal with Covid-19.

“If there is no money at the National Treasury, there is no need of pushing to have the referendum this year. We should plan to hold the referendum next year when our economy has stabilised and Covid-19 contained,” he said.

By Kenyans.co.ke