Tough balancing act as Raila allies eye seats

By Stephen Makabila

ODM’s attempt to reclaim its glory in Rift Valley Province faces one major test — the rivalry between the South Rift and North Rift leaders.

The outcome will also largely depend on how Prime Minister Raila Odinga balances the interests of the two regions.

North Rift leaders allied to Tinderet MP and ODM chairman Henry Kosgey want him appointed Deputy Prime Minister to replace Sabatia MP Musalia Mudavadi who decamped to the United Democratic Front.

Led by former Eldoret South MP David Koros and former Wareng County Council chairman Richard Busienei, the leaders also want Kosgey lined up as the PM’s presidential running mate. But even as North Rift leaders push for Kosgey’s elevation, Roads Minister Franklin Bett, who comes from the South Rift, has also went public with his interest to become the PM’s running mate.

“I will be happy to be Raila’s running mate,” Bett said recently. Other leaders from the South Rift, among them Assistant Minister and Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat, have equally lobbied for Bett.

Region’s support

Last month, a meeting of Rift Valley professionals chaired by Friends of Raila 2012 (Fora) chairman Micah Kigen demanded the PM picks a running mate from Rift Valley to reclaim the region’s support.

At the meeting, names of Bett and Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei emerged. By then, Kosgey was still politically aloof after the International Criminal Court cleared him. Kosgei’s supporters say as a woman, she was likely to be of more value to the PM by wooing the rich women vote across the country.

“It’s good to lobby for positions but if the trend can lead to internal competition within the remaining ODM support base in Rift Valley, it may not be healthy for the party and the PM. They have to agree on who gets it if at all the PM decides it is the province,” says Moi University law lecturer Titus Bittok.

Mr Bittok says rifts could embolden external forces within the United Republican Party and other parties to outdo ODM further in the province.

Politically, South Rift feels politically short-changed in appointments. Only Bett is a full minister from the region. Two other Assistant ministers Beatrice Kones and Magerer also support ODM as does Sotik MP Joyce Laboso.

Within the North Rift, the region has three Cabinet slots including Kosgei’s Agriculture, Kamar’s Higher Education. There is also the Industrialisation docket, which many believe is still reserved for Kosgey. Professionals from Rift Valley will be meeting Raila in the coming week to discuss the state of affairs. Kigen said there were no chances of rivalry intensifying over the running mate issue. “It is an issue politicians, professionals and other leaders within ODM can discuss and thrash out without controversy,” added Kigen. Only Central Rift, which has one ministerial slot, held by nominated MP Musa Sirma, who is a key Raila ally, is not complaining or jostling for any positions.

The professionals plan to present a memorandum to the PM on a wide range of issues, including the need to reappoint Kosgey to the Cabinet. Kigen said it was dangerous for politicians in Rift Valley to use propaganda to serve personal interests at the expense of the region’s welfare.

Koros says they will embark on rallies to popularize Kosgey and ODM within the North-Rift.

A section of civic leaders drawn from Nandi, Keiyo-Marakwet, Uasin-Gishu counties have also been calling for Kosgey’s elevation to the DPM’s position.

“There is consensus that with Kosgey as deputy party leader and presidential running mate to Raila, ODM can have more strength than was the case in 2007,” added Koros.

He said ODM strategists on the ground were aware of political propaganda planned by their rivals, and that a counter offensive was in place. The thinking of the North-Rift leaders is that given Magerer from the South Rift has been appointed by Raila into the youthful-looking Pentagon, it would be in order for Bett to leave the running mate slot to Kosgey.

The PM”s supporters in the region have to contend with the strong wave posed by Eldoret North MP William Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP), former ruling party Kanu, under the leadership of former Baringo Central MP Gideon Moi.