Opposition leader Raila Odinga is set for a major blow from the Western Kenya region should he vie again for presidency in the approaching 2022 general election.
This follows insinuations from Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala that the region is unwilling to back any of the candidates it has backed in the past.
Speaking on Radio Citizen’s ‘Jungu Kuu’ on Wednesday night, the lawmaker called upon the remaining leaders to rally behind a Western Kenya candidate in exchange for the region’s long-time will to back others.
‘’Sisi ndio tumekuwa tukibeba watu na ikiwa wale ambao tumekuwa tukiwaunga watarudi tena 2022 tutakataa na kusema punda amechoka (we will not again recycle our support for them),’’ he said.
About the heating political debts narrative, Khamala claimed that the community is owed the most, as it has always been open and ready to support other people while remaining behind in presidential contests.
‘’Sisi ndio tunadai madeni mengi zaidi maana tumeunga watu wengi sana mkono (we are owed the most for having backed many people),’’ he added.
Raila has, however, been the biggest beneficiary of the region’s support, enjoying its backing in 3 of his 4 presidential candidatures, scoring the most in 2007 and 2017.
He also scored the most in 2013, despite the fact that he contested against Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi who is considered one of the region’s top leaders.