RAILA’S PLAN FOR RUTO’S BACKYARD

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is this week set to start a charm offensive in Deputy President William Ruto’s Rift Valley turf.

This will be the first time the ODM leader will be visiting Ruto’s Rift Valley bases after he was crowned the Azimio La Umoja Movement presidential flagbearer.

Raila’s presidential campaign board chaired by Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi met Tuesday evening to come up with the Rift Valley and Western itinerary.

Raila, who arrived quietly on Tuesday from a five-day UK tour, will also be taking Azimio campaigns to Western Kenya, as he escalates his vote hunt across the country.

Dennis Onsarigo, head of communications at Raila Odinga Campaign Secretariat, on Tuesday told the Star the former premier will be heading to Rift Valley and Western this week to drum up support for his bid.

“We are going to the Rift Valley and Western before the end of the week,” Onsarigo said on the phone.

Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi, who is vying for Vihiga senator on the ODM ticket, also confirmed Raila’s visit to Western region.

The ODM boss arrived on Tuesday morning and was received by, among others, Mathare MP Antony Oluoch and former Jubilee secretary general Raphael Tuju.

Raila was supposed to arrive on Sunday but passed through Dubai in what sources said was a personal visit.

The rest of his UK’s team, including Siaya Senator James Orengo and former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth, arrived in the country on Sunday.

Raila’s Rift valley incursion comes on the backdrop of a stiff race with Deputy President William Ruto in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s succession battle.

A recent poll by Radio Africa Group suggested the ODM boss had overtaken Ruto in the State House race.

According to the poll results released last week, Raila scored 47.4 per cent compared to Ruto’s 43.4 per cent.

The Star established Raila’s foray in the region, regarded as Ruto’s stronghold, is spearheaded by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and former head of Public Service Sally Kosgey.

The duo is leading a team of politicians spearheading Raila’s charm offensive to penetrate Ruto’s backyard.

Last month, Tolgos said his team targets to deliver at least 40 per cent of the South Rift vote to the Azimio basket, dismissing claims the region is under lock and key of the DP.

However, according to the poll by Radio Africa Group, Ruto still enjoys massive support in the Rift Valley, where most respondents identify with his presidential bid.

According to the study findings, Ruto leads North Rift with 62.6 per cent compared to Raila’s 31.3 per cent and South Rift at 66.9 per cent compared to Raila’s 30.1 per cent.

Courtesy