Luo Nyanza is ranked among the few Kenyan voting blocks which have remained rigidly loyal to one politician at a time when regions are embracing several leaders.
The region which brings together four counties is currently rallied behind opposition leader Raila Odinga, but that has not prevented a section of politicians having rival ideologies from emerging.
One of these is former Migori Senatorial hopeful Eddy Oketch who unsuccessfully combated former Cabinet Minister Ochillo Ayacko of Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the concluded by-election.
Having lost to ODM candidates twice in a row, the latter who was once an ally of Odinga must be considering moving back to Raila’s camp, especially now that only his choice of party might deny him the chance.
With Ayacko expected to move over to the gubernatorial slot in the 2022 elections, Oketch remains the man to beat in the senatorial race, but will again lose if he vies on a separate party.
The other is former Gem lawmaker and Raila’s cousin Jakoyo Midiwo who lost to ODM’s Elisha Odhiambo in both the primaries and in the general elections when he vied independently.
Initially a die-hard supporter of ODM, Midiwo rebelled after missing out on the ODM ticket, saying that he will not kneel before party officials for the ticket.
In April 2017, he vowed to destroy the party, but is likely to run back in preparation for the approaching polls, considering that his preferred seat is in Raila’s home-ground, a place where one has to be an ODM candidate to win.
Former Rongo lawmaker and renowned anti-Raila crusader Dalmas Otieno is also on his way back to Raila.
This will be the second time he does it after parting ways with Odinga in an attempt to introduce his Kalausi (whirlwind) party in 2013.
He lost to Paul Abuor in the concluded elections in what many deem his on and off relationship with Odinga and his rebellious nature, but will be depending on Raila for political resurrection in 2022.
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