By Kepher Otieno
Presidential aspirant Uhuru Kenyatta’s historic visit to Nyanza could open a new window for power sharing deals between the Luo and the Kikuyu.
Multiple sources told The County Weekly that Uhuru and his team were excited by the warm reception they received from the region, home to his erstwhile political opponent Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“With what I saw in Nyanza, it is evident that things have changed greatly and anything, including possible power sharing deals between Uhuru and Raila is now possible,” said an ODM MP who asked not to be named.
He added, “I ensued Uhuru’s visit very keenly. I saw him very excited by the unexpected warm reception. I think we should follow up this with proposals for an alliance with him.”
The MP said Uhuru’s visit helped to thaw his sour relationship with the Luo community who viewed him as the biggest stumbling block to Odinga’s bid for the presidency.
Interestingly, two days later, Raila flew to Uhuru’s backyard in Kangema where he welcomed the deputy PM’s promise to back him if he won the seat.
Last week, our sister publication, The Standard on Sunday, reported that aides to Odinga, Uhuru and Eldoret North MP William Ruto, were quoted saying that they had made proposals for possible alliances a head of the General Elections.
Praises supporters
It said the party had tasked Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ and Finance Assistant Minister Oburu Oginga with the task of approaching Ruto and Uhuru over the alliances.
They recalled Jaramogi’s fight for the release of the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta from unlawful detention, and accepting that he becomes the first President, saying he showed generosity.
A cross-section of Luo leaders said they cannot rule out a TNA-ODM alliance.
