Kenya’s opposition leader will contest in the 2022 presidential elections, according to a senior member of his party, Senator James Orengo.
Odinga, who was at the center of the hotly contested and disputed 2017 presidential elections, is currently working with president Uhuru Kenyatta to reconcile and unite the nation. Senator Orengo, together with other members of Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, confirmed Odinga’s intentions to launch a fifth bid at the presidency in 2022.
“We are rebranding our party leader to contest on an ODM party ticket in 2022,” said Orengo at the burial of the mother-in-law of former Gem MP Joe Donde in Ikolomani Kakemga County.
Odinga, who has twice lost presidential elections to president Kenyatta, refused to accept the outcome of the August 8 presidential elections. He instead organised a symbolic inauguration where he was sworn in as the ‘people’s president’.
Odinga’s bid is expected to be countered by the political base of deputy president William Ruto, who has sights on the highest office in the land.
“It is not a surprise at all. We have all along known he was getting ready for another bid. We are ready for him. We are working to solidify the DP’s base,” said Senator Samson Cherargei, who supports Ruto’s presidential bid.
Uhuru and Odinga have in the past maintained that the March 9 handshake did not include 2022 succession politics.
“I have heard people out there saying in newspapers and rallies that this is a political pact,” said President Kenyatta.
“I want you to understand that there is a much, much deeper understanding between myself and Raila Odinga. I appeal to all politicians that, while there can never be an end to politics, they should never misinterpret politics with this deeper understanding.” Uhuru concluded.
He was speaking at the Holy Family Basilica during the 40th anniversary memorial service for Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, which was attended by Mr Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto, four Cabinet secretaries, and a host of members of Parliament.
He has in the past defended the deal as one not geared towards the 2022 elections, and warned those against it to toe the line.