Is Raila Odinga's political career finally on the wane?

CORD leader Raila Odinga's political career seems to be at a crossroads as he experiences the worst fallout in his years in politics.

Many things point to the waning support and popularity he has enjoyed until now. First, the resignations of his key allies from top party positions, which exposed the soft under-belly of ODM. Raila was left weakened by the departure of the duo - Ababu Namwamba and Paul Otuoma.

Second, the exits bring back bad memories that he does not keep old trusted allies. He has in the past lost the likes of William Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala, Joe Nyagah and Charity Ngilu, thus throwing his presidential hopes into disarray. This old script is playing itself out again.

Third, a fallout between Raila and the CORD co-principals appears imminent. Unfolding events are pointing to increasing suspicion among the presidential hopefuls in the Opposition coalition.

Tension is on the rise as each party in the CORD family strives to strengthen its support base. One would have expected a display of unity by the co-principals by holding joint rallies.

Fourth, Raila knows that the next election will be his last stab at the presidency. With this in mind, he feels the other principals should back his bid. However, Moses Wetang'ula and Kalonzo Musyoka see this as backstabbing.

Fifth, Raila is heavily and eternally indebted to his co-principals. Both of them supported him in the last elections, shelving their own ambitions to rally behind him.