The political relationship between ODM leader Raila Odinga and the vote-rich Rift Valley region turned sour soon after the 2007 general elections.
The election will definitely be remembered by Kenyans as it resulted in the post-election violence which largely affected the region which had voted massively for Raila.
It is believed that Deputy President William Ruto who was then a strong confidant and ally of Raila had rallied the Rift Valley residents to vote for Raila who had promised them huge benefits from his government.
However, the two politicians fell out after Ruto was accused of being among the suspects behind the violence, leading to a case at the International Criminal Court (ICC). According to Ruto and his supporters, Raila neglected him and even supported the evidence against Ruto.
In my opinion, the rivalry cost Raila the presidential seat both in 2013 and 2017. Although Raila has not declared whether he will be vying for the presidency in 2022, his chances of winning the election are too low if he will not be able to win back the hearts of Rift Valley residents in the next three years.
For this reason, Raila should consider working with any politician from this region who is also eying to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Ruto is determined to clinch the seat and therefore Raila should consider working with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi who hails from the region and enjoys the support of a section of Rift Valley voters.
Although this move will not guarantee him many votes, it will increase his chances of winning.
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