ODM leader who is on a countrywide tour seeking opinion on his next political move was spotted with former President Uhuru Kenyatta at Watamu, Kilifi County adding a dramatic twist to the tense political landscape in the country.
Raila who has kept the country on the edge over his next grand political scheme was photographed with Uhuru and Kilifi governor Gideon Mung’aro leading to a flurry of speculations regarding the nature of the meeting, what was discussed and possible outcomes.
Reports indicate that Uhuru and Raila held a closed-door meeting at Mawe Zuri resort in Watamu with only a few aides in attendance, but the details remained scanty.
The meeting has created a buzz within the political circles because Raila was expected to have signed a power-sharing deal with President Ruto but has instead dragged his feet saying he needed to consult his followers before making the most anticipated political statement yet.
Raila’s latest political maneuvers come barely a week after his failed bid to capture the coveted seat of the Africa Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship despite a spirited and expensive campaign led by President Ruto.
His shuttle campaign across the continent saw him visit nearly all the African countries where he met presidents and heads of governments who later cast their votes in favour of the Djibouti candidate Mahamoud Ali Youssouf who won
Raila’s loss was seen as big blow to Ruto whose government is facing serious resistance from Kenyans where matters came to a head in June 25 last year that saw Gen Zs countrywide protests that culminated in attempts to set Parliament on fire.
In his countrywide tours in the country upon his return from the defeated AUC chairmanship race, Raila has so far held meetings in Coast, Western, Nyanza with some of his followers urging him to abandon the broad-based government that was formed after the Gen Z protests.
Others have urged him to join Ruto’s government as equal partners but ensure that ODM is not swallowed by Kenya Kwanza administration so that it does not lose its identity.
And after each meeting Raila’s statements reveal a seasoned politician walking a tight rope to balance the varied expectations of his supporters and those of his benefactor President Ruto.
While he has not shied away from criticising the government especially on the unworkable SHI and SHA, the university funding model and poor funding of counties, his punches are soft and slow to have any impact on the government.
And as the political space remains slippery and fluid former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says he is ready to work with Raila Odinga saying his support base combined with Mt Kenya big vote basket would ensure that they win the 2027 elections by 11:00am.
