A renowned political analyst from Taita Taveta has said Raila Odinga's inability to solve delicate matters within the ODM party is likely to cost him the Presidency in the August polls.
Mwakuja Mrombo cited the intensifying political rivalry between Malindi MP Willy Mtengo and County Women Representative Aisha Jumwa, who are both eying the regions parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket.
“Raila’s soft spot for particular candidates in some areas is what hurts his support base in some instances,” said Mrombo, as quoted by The Star.
Mrombo faulted Raila for letting his deputy Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho to mediate in the issue, saying the governor seems to back Jumwa.
“In Malindi, he seems to have left the matter to his point man Joho, who has (shown) preference to Jumwa. This in turn speaks volumes about Raila’s preference,” he added.
The analyst further pointed out that different aspirants have expressed fear that Joho has prefered candidates for variious seat, despite him assuring them of free and fair nominations.
“There has been fear among aspirants that Joho has his preferred candidates and will pull the strings to ensure they win ODM nomination tickets,” Mrombo said.