It is a historic week, presidential candidates unveiling their running mates, something that can either break or build them politically. Congratulations to the nominees. Now Kenyans should expect to see a significant change in political terrain.
After watching how Azimio One Kenya conducted the process of unveiling the running mate one thing stands out for me, ODM leader and Azimio coalition flagbearer Raila Odinga has already nominated some Cabinet Secretaries that will help him run the government if he wins. This is a very interesting move.
Some days back some information leaked that the two Kenya Kwanza principles, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetagula have to deliver 70% of the Luhya votes in order to be given Chief Cabinet Secretary and National Assembly Speaker respectively plus 30% of other government positions which looks impossible because Mudavadi did not deliver even 50% to himself when he ran for president in 2013.
And now Raila is offering some positions to Luhyas through Kakamega Governor and Kenneth Marende. At the same time offering some positions to Ukambani.
Historical land injustices at the Coastal region have been campaign tool for some politicians. To deal with that, he has nominated their own son.
Nominating National Rainbow Coalition – Kenya leader Martha Karua to deputize him in case of victory will add more value to the Raila – Karua ticket. For the first time the women of this country are feeling that they are moving closer to the power.
For the first time he is likely to harvest more votes from the region that has been voting against him.
After the handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta some people felt that Raila has signed an expensive ticket to end his political career, only for him to reinvent himself.
Raila is a seasoned politician and he understands the game so well.