ODM leader Raila Odinga has significantly cut off a number of advisers as political realignments continue taking shape ahead of 2022 polls, spokesman Dennis Onyango has confirmed.
The handshake between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta, his spokesman Dennis Onyango says, necessitated to reorganize his team.
Mr Odinga reconciled with President Uhuru Kenyatta in March 2018 and since then, the political temperatures have significantly reduced.
"Mr Odinga’s political associates have been asked to “consult first before reacting” should they see or hear something they do not understand. Mr Odinga has also cut off a number of his advisers," Onyango told the Nation.
According to the Sunday Nation, in his new team, Odinga has carefully selected a team of lawyers, politicians, family members and religious leaders who are tasked to plan for his 2022 bid.
“The strategy is simply to help Raila navigate his politics. You can see that he has abandoned confrontational politics and taken the path of consultation,” a source familiar with the team said.
Key players in this close knit team include foe-turned-friend and Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju, ODM deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Mr Odinga’s brother Oburu Oginga, his wife Ida, University don Adams Oloo, Busia Senator Amos Wako, lawyer Paul Mwangi and Bishop Zacheus Okoth.
Others said to have Mr Odinga’s ear are his long serving aide Andrew Mondoh, Governors James Ongwae (Kisii), Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu), and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
Mr Joho and Oparanya are in the team courtesy of their wide support across the country. They are believed to be important assets should Odinga try his fifth stab at presidency.
“If you recall the ODM Pentagon that consisted of regional kingpins in 2007, you will understand the matrix. Oparanya and Joho are still key for Raila’s future political ambitions,” a source close to Mr Odinga said.
Mr Junet Mohamed seems to be the beneficiary since he has been participating in all high profile meetings of Odinga. Recently, he said in a rally that he's in 'kitchen cabinet'.
But in the revealed list, Siaya Senator James Orengo does not feature. Mr Orengo was not also briefed about Handshake despite playing a key role in Odinga's expeditions in the last decade.
A member of the Odinga family told the Sunday Nation that the ODM leader continues to give an ear to Prof Nyong’o.
“It has even become difficult to seek Mr Odinga’s opinion on the affairs of Kisumu County government due to his closeness with the governor,” the source said.