Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's recent meetings with leaders drawn from the vote-rich Rift Valley region should not be taken lightly, says political analyst Herman Manyora.
The ODM boss has been hosting Kalenjin politicians at his Capitol Hill offices, the latest meeting being a delegation led by former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto earlier on Monday.
And while the group has isnsited that their talks were centered on issues development and national progress, Manyora says that politics cannot be ruled out.
The meeting also included ex-Interior Principal Secretary Zakayo Cheruiyot, former Bureti MP Franklin Bett and ex-Konoin MP Paul Sang, who have cited development as the agenda that was discussed.
"Our meeting with the former PM was centred on issues affecting our community, especially the Kipsigis living in the South Rift. Raila has always been ready to listen to us and help resolve some of them," said Cheruiyot on Sunday.
But Manyora observes that Raila is most likely out to further strengthen himself in the Rift region ahead of the 2022 general elections.
“Anyone who has been keenly observing the unfolding political events will notice that in recent months, Raila has escalated his talks with key leaders from North and South Rift, as well as gracing various functions in the vote-rich region,” he told the Standard.
The meeting came only two months after Raila hosted the rebellious duo of Joshua Kuttuny (Cherangany) and Silas Tiren (Moiben).
He has also since acquired the backing of Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos who has since fallen out with the Rift Valley defacto kingpin, Deputy President William Ruto.