ODM at 20: Raila's grip in Gusii tested by rising Matiang'i wave

ODM Leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard] A state of uncertainty and anxiety awaits ODM leader Raila Odinga as he leads his party members to celebrate the party's 20th anniversary in Kisii. The visit comes several months after he was booed in the region and subjected to hostility from a crowd that once cheered him in the past. In the last few months, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who served during former president Uhuru Kenyatta's regime, has stepped up efforts to consolidate support from the region. Consequently, his political exploits appear to have waned the strong support other players, including Raila have enjoyed in the region in the last couple of years. Yesterday, ODM officials from the region were busy making the final touches to the preparations ahead of the event that they hope will help it rejuvenate its grassroots support from the region. Over the last two decades, Raila has been enjoying huge support from the locals who have been voting for him overwhelmingly during the last four election seasons and has been garnering over 60 per cent of the votes. In the 2022 polls, Raila garnered 64 per cent of the region's votes. According to a section of leaders from the region, the support for Raila is no longer tenable and they believe he has betrayed them. "Raila showed his true colors against Gusii people when he rose to work with Ruto and took all cabinet posts and in fact including development projects, to his Luo Nyanza political turf. We will never forgive him on this," former West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi said. Kemosi accused Raila of planning Friday's event to counter Matiangi's rising popularity. "Why would he plan the event in Gusii and at a time when the people are tuned to hear the Jubilee Party's declaration from Nairobi? We are aware of the political game the Party is playing with our people, but he should be advised that he has no following for him in the Region," Kemosi said. Former Gusii Youth League Chairman Dennis Orioki, on his part, said the Gusii event will be inconsequential. "We are even aware of the mobilization that is happening to deceive Kenyans that Kisii is locked for Baba. But I assure you that ODM's celebrations are mere kicks of a dying horse as far as Gusii voting bloc is concerned," Orioki said. Gusii Young Professionals under the Chairmanship of Douglas Ogari says the ODM Party has not fully given youths a chance in the appointments to broad-based governance, something he said has made many lose trust in the ODM Party. "We need the Party to incorporate young people into the country's leadership and especially in the broad-based leadership," Ogari said. Raila's fortunes in Gusii were deeply dented a few months ago when the much hyped appointment of the long-serving ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire to the Cabinet never happened. Though he has not come out to protest the move by his Party Leader, Bosire has since embarked on a trajectory of forming a political party that will rival ODM and other National Parties. On Saturday, Kisii Governor Simba Arati announced his intention to work with Dr Matiang'i in his founded ambition of rising to the Presidency and assured him of unwavering support. "If there is a project that is close to my heart, then it must be Project Matiang'i. I will work with you and ensure that we achieve our ultimate goal," Arati told Matiang'i at Nyamache Main SDA Church, where they both attended a church service last Sabbath. Even as he welcomes Raila to Kisii as his Deputy Party Leader, Arati will also be a man of interest as all people from the region will be watching his words and moves.

ODM at 20: Raila's grip in Gusii tested by rising Matiang'i wave

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ODM at 20: Raila's grip in Gusii tested by rising Matiang'i wave

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