Raila’s former adviser backs Orengo to succeed ODM party leadership

Raila Odinga's advisor and former spokesperson Salim Lone has thrown his weight behind Senator James Orengo as the ODM party leader’s suitable successor.

Salim Lone said Orengo is the ideal candidate after Raila as the Luo kingpin.

"My good friend Godfrey Sang is right - Orengo is the best we have had for decades, would be ideal as Raila's successor when time comes," Lone tweeted on Monday. 

Orengo has been described by political analyst Godfrey Sang as a straight-shooting, fire-breathing, threat making politician who has no kind words for Uhuru Kenyatta and the Jubilee government.

Like Raila, sang said the Siaya Senator has lived in exile, has been jailed, been a victim of police brutality, been elected, lost elections which the political analyst says are clear advantages James Orengo has in leading the Luo nation. 

This came amid talk of a battle to control Nyanza politics has erupted and promises to define combat in 2022 for the country’s top job.

The conflict is said to be pitting Raila against Orengo, and is pitched on the handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta on March 9.

Mr. Orengo boldly refused to support the finance bill going against his party leader Raila Odinga. 

At the time of Jaramogi’s death, Orengo was the chairman of Ford Kenya and the undisputed leader of the Luo community. Raila held a junior position of deputy director of elections.

 The lawyer had vied for the presidency in 2002 but lost to Mwai Kibaki and later joined ODM where he has been by Odinga’s side since.