Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has firmly dismissed any possibility of collaborating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking to residents of Wajir during a consultative tour, Odinga cited Gachagua's past attempts to undermine his political career as the primary reason for his stance. Odinga references previous statements made by Gachagua, in which the former Deputy President expressed his intention to thwart Odinga's political ambitions.
"The other man said he had set traps everywhere so that I should not pass and get a handshake... I told him that is impossible," Odinga stated.
Despite Gachagua's apparent marginalization within the current government, Odinga emphasizes his own resilience, noting his presence at State House alongside other East African leaders, including Presidents Museveni, Suluhu, and Ruto. Odinga's visit to Wajir is part of a wider tour aimed at gathering public opinion on his party's political strategies as the country gears up for the 2027 elections.
During his address, Odinga also called for the swift implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He argues that these measures are crucial to preventing a recurrence of the issues witnessed during the 2022 General Election.
"The NADCO report should be implemented... so that we can have a conversation about critical issues," Odinga stated, emphasizing the need for a credible electoral body to ensure fair and transparent elections.
Beyond electoral reforms, Odinga urges President Ruto's administration to address the pressing economic challenges faced by Kenyans. He highlights the burden of high taxes and the tough economic conditions that many citizens are grappling with, calling for measures to alleviate the cost of living.
Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has today arrived in Kisii County to consult with ODM party delegates from both Nyamira and Kisii counties regarding his future political direction following his unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position. The meeting, held at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, follows a similar engagement in Wajir on Wednesday.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati is hosting Odinga and facilitating discussions with regional party members. Arati emphasizes the strategic importance of the meeting in shaping Odinga's next steps in the political arena.
These consultations are part of a broader series of meetings Odinga has been holding across his traditional support bases, including Luo Nyanza, parts of Western Kenya, and the Coast region.
The purpose is to gather grassroots perspectives as he contemplates his role ahead of the 2027 elections. He is reportedly weighing options that include a return to his position as opposition leader or potential alignment with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government. While in Kwale on Tuesday, Odinga asked his supporters for patience while he considers his next move.
Sources indicate that Odinga may make a significant political announcement before the end of the week, potentially signaling a finalized agreement with President Ruto. Political analysts note that Odinga faces a critical juncture in his career, with limited options given his advancing age.