Governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya may have put their presidential dreams on hold since they believe ODM leader Raila Odinga has won Uhuru’s support for 2022.
With Raila regarded as a critical component in Uhuru’s succession plan, a larger political scheme is afoot to unite all-pro-BBI forces in order to oppose Deputy President William Ruto in the general election next year.
Joho and Oparanya, the two ODM deputy party leaders, had stated their intention to compete for president, but their preparations have been thrown into disarray by the growing suspicion that Raila may have got Uhuru’s blessing.
The two second-term governors have announced that they will support Raila for president next year, believing that he has the best chance of ending ODM’s long drought in state power.
There were concerns that Oparanya and Joho’s presidential campaigns could have shaken up the Coast and Western Kenya — Raila’s most steadfast supporters — and harmed the ODM leader’s chances in 2022.
Oparanya’s relationship with Ruto had shocked Raila’s camp in recent weeks.
According to reports, the President’s strategists have now enlisted the help of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, as well as Joho and Oparanya.
According to insiders, the team has been having secret strategy sessions and is pushing for a Raila presidency, which President Uhuru is alleged to have consented to.
