With opposition leader Raila Odinga preoccupied with his new role as the African Union special envoy for the infrastructure sector, his absence will obviously be felt.
This will be worse in his Luo Nyanza backyard where he enjoys close to absolute support, forcing some of his vocal lieutenants to sit-in for him through his absence.
The few people who have what it takes to fit into Raila’s boots as he prepares to fully assume his new roles include Siaya Senator and Odinga's number one ally James Orengo.
The vocal counsel is considered Raila’s closest confidant, with others observing him as a new force in waiting and the best replacement once Raila hangs his political boots.
Also qualified for the tough coordination task is Kisumu County boss Anyang’ Nyong’o whose friendship with Raila started in the 80s, during the fight for multiparty democracy.
Boasting of vast experience having slowly snaked his way up throughout the years, Nyong’o can as well use this opportunity to win Raila’s endorsement as his exit from active politics nears.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Chairman John Mbadi is another man who can completely deliver in line with the task, and who is expected to use Odinga's absence to his advantage.
The Suba South parliamentarian has since began showing his political might by conducting leadership changes in county assemblies and could soon embark on the same on national level.
Therefore, Odinga's absence and ultimate exit will have no effect as he has left behind a strong battalion of leaders ready and willing to fill his vacancy.
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