Cabinet Secretary without portfolio Raphael Tuju has been recruited to Raila Odinga's new inner circle and is entrusted with matters strategy and political consultancy.
The Jubilee Secretary General, who fell out with Odinga a decade ago, is a surprise inclusion and has been playing a key role in defending the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
According to the Sunday Nation, Mr Tuju is key in Mr Odinga's preparation for referendum and 2022 polls, a move that could further escalate differences in Jubilee party.
“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.
Mr Joho and Oparanya, who are both serving their final terms, are key in the team given their huge following. They are included in the team due to their political experience.
“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.
Also in the team are Odinga's aide Andrew Mondoh, Governors Anyang Nyong'o and James Ongwae together with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
“The team Raila selected is treated as part of his inner circle as it is entrusted with the most sensitive matters pertaining to the task force. Its report will shape the referendum and the 2022 elections,” an ODM insider said.
In an interview recently, Tuju has often distanced himself from politics, arguing that he lost interest after losing the Rarieda seat. He has however been involved in recent political gatherings at Raila's backyard.
“I have no interest in becoming the governor of Siaya or Rarieda MP. From the time I stopped being involved in active politics, I went back to private endeavours which confined me to Nairobi,” he said.
On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto took a swipe at Mr Tuju, accusing him of planning for the opposition despite being the Secretary General of Jubilee Party.
“So our democracy is so liberal that the SG of the ruling party has become the chief strategist of the opposition!! Maajabu,” he tweeted.