By James Wafula in Nairobi.
Veteran Kenyan politician Azmio flag bearer Raila Amolo Odinga appeared to inch closer to power after his newly unveiled running-mate wrong footed his main challenger Kenya Kwanza of deputy president William Ruto.
The choice of a former justice minister and civil rights firebrand Martha Karau appears to have at last struck the right cord in the populous mount Kenya political home-turf of President Uhuru Kenyatta. The latest opinion poll shows the Karau card bringing immediate dividends to Raila, 78, overtaking his main adversary for he first time in 4 years.
Ruto, 57, who has been virtually camped in mount Kenya campaigning since 2018 selling his hustler brand of bottom up economic strategy goofed big time when his long awaited running-mate turned out to be a disappointing anti-climax!
There were few cheers for Mathira MP Nderitu Gachagau who is facing various multi-million shilling corruption cases in court.
Many see Ruto choice of a former Moi era discredited DO as the worst possible blunder he could have made just 3 months to the epic battle passing over more credible choices that would have improved his vote tally.
Western Luhya commentators say Ruto blunder to overlook former vice president Musalia Mudavadi, 62, would cost him big time in the battle for the 3.3 million votes. He would equally lose substantial support in mount Kenya for overlooking soft spoken ICC lawyer Kithure Kindiki.
By ruffling feathers in what was considered a safe battleground in central Kenya, Ruto has virtually cut the ground from under his feet as evidenced by the poll.
The poll commissioned by th Nation Media showed Raila slashing Ruto’s 47 percent lead to overtake and stand at 39 percent in central Kenya. Ruto has 36 percent.
The fast improving Odinga only has to worry about the rebellion from Kalonzo Musyoka whose attempt to run independently after signing the Azxmio coalition deal could be still born.
The law is clear on pre-election coalitions in Kenya and now legal experts are saying its too late for Kalonzo to go solo! The IEBC is set to hear his case to be allowed to run after earlier backing Odinga. Kalonzo left in a huff after Raila named Karau his running mate.
The jury is still out on whether Kalonzo move could cost Odinga the 2-9 million Kamba votes with many including some rebel governors insisting the Wiper leader is on his own!
The Makueni and Kitui govenors professor Kivutha Kibwana and Charity Ngilu respectievely insist the community is still with Azmio led by Raila.
If IEBC disallows Kalonzo from running, Odinga will be confident of an early win come the morning of August 9 as support in the coast, eastern and parts of north eastern remains unassailable■
