Former Energy minister Ochillo Ayacko could after all replace deceased Migori Senator Ben Oluoch in the upcoming by-elections, multiple sources have revealed.
What appeared to be a political reconciliation brokered by Raila on Monday between Ayacko and Governor Okoth Obado, has now turned to be a boardroom deal to quell political tensions in the county.
"The county has been struggling due to intrigues between Ayacko and Obado. To cure that, Raila had to broker a deal to save the county," said a source who worked at NASA secretariat.
Another source, who also spoke in confidence, said Odinga was keen to quell protracted political struggles between the two protagonists which has sabotaged development.
"It was a consensus that Ochillo now runs for senator. Raila was concerned with persistent fights in the county thus the decisions."
And the deal, which has not yet been made public, would see the ODM party back Ayacko as the favourite candidate when IEBC declares the seat vacant.
With Obado retiring in 2022, Ayacko would now stamp his authority to replace him after narrowly losing to him in 2017 polls.
ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire denied knowledge of the deal and insisted that the party will conduct primaries when the time comes.
"We believe in democracy and there is nothing like preferred candidate. All interested parties must face one another on ballot," he said.
During Senator Oluoch's burial, Raila reconciled Ochillo and Obado in the presence of cheering supporters.
Should the deal go through, it therefore means that Ayacko must renew his ODM membership after quitting the party last year.
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