Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga on Friday hosted Turkana leaders at his Capitol Hill offices, few days after Deputy President William Ruto's Northern Kenya tour.
Early this week, Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok, who doubles up as ODM Vice Chairman, endorsed Dr Ruto, arguing that Rift Valley region will not back any other candidate other than his 2022 presidential polls.
“As 14 governors from Rift Valley, we are working on a plan to fully support the Deputy President and form the next government because the whole country is focusing on Rift Valley to produce the next president. As Turkana people, we want to be part of that government. I will not accept to be outside government again,” Nanok was quoted by Daily Nation.
The county boss has been a key pillar in Raila's camp. For the last two elections, Raila won majority votes from the county probably due to the governor's influence.
While details of Friday's meeting remained scanty, politics may have dominated given that Suna East MP Junet Mohammed was present. Mohammed also doubles up as ODM Director of Elections.
"PL @RailaOdinga at Capitol Hill with leaders from Turkana Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorkai MP Loima, Hon Nixon Ngikolong Ngikor Nawi, Former MPTurkana East, Hon Joseph Samal Former MP Isiolo North and Paul Lokopir ODM Youth Leader North Rift. Hon. @JunetMohamed was also present," ODM party tweeted.
Early this week, ODM chairman John Mbadi said Nanok's move was long overdue, adding that he was non-committal to the party's activities in the recent past.
“There is nothing new that has happened, some of the people serving their second and final term are looking for future political survival. Some want to be remembered through appointments in government,” Mbadi was quoted by Daily Nation.