Political analyst Alex Manyasi has linked former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa's recent crossover to the Amani National Congress (ANC) party to political bitterness.
The former ally of Deputy President William Ruto of the Jubilee Party, over the weekend, declared his support for ANC party boss Musalia Mudavadi and his 2022 presidential plans.
Manyasi has termed this a retaliation possibly originating from frustration, saying that Echesa is feeling dumped after Ruto failed to intervene to save him after his ouster in March.
"Echesa aliwachwa na Ruto, alitarajia atasaidiwa alipotolewa katika baraza la mawaziri lakini hilo halikufanyika (Echesa has been isolated by Ruto, he expected some help after his ouster, which did not come)," he said.
The commentator was speaking in an interview on Radio Maisha's Bunge La Maisha show on Monday morning.
However, he advised that the move will have more advantages on Echesa, arguing that he has now made himself more relevant in Western Kenya politics.
He termed it a good move for the leader who still lacks a national appeal, observing that he stands a good chance of being a bigger figure in the region by riding on the former Vice President's back.
"Kimaeneo ni move nzuri maana Echesa bado hana ile national influence. Ameona anaweza tumia Mudavadi kama bargaining chip katika uchaguzi ujao (its a good regional move as he still lacks the national appeal. He has realized that he can use Mudavadi as a bargaining chip in the approaching polls)," added Manyasi.
According to the commentator, attaching himself to Mudavadi in 2022 will give him the much-needed popularity, considering that the leader is preparing himself for the presidential race.