[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past event. Two key leaders from Western region have joined Uhuru Kenyatta’s camp. Photo/Nation]
Opposition leader Raila Odinga was deal a blow on Tuesday following decision by key leaders from Western Zone to opt for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee party.
Being one of his strategic regions in October elections, Odinga may be forced to work extra hard to deliver over 2 million votes from Western belt.
Immediate former Vihiga governor Moses Akaranga was pictured at State House with Uhuru. He lost to ODM’s Wilberforce Otichillo.
Also in Busia County, former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma pledged to work with Jubilee accusing ODM of subjecting him to ‘atrocities’.
Otuoma, who lost to Busia governor Sospeter Ojamoong, was running as an independent candidate after bowing out of ODM over ‘unfair’ nomination process.
The two leaders, even though they lost their respect seats, were key in NASA given their vast experience in politics.
Both Vihiga and Busia Counties however, voted overwhelmingly for Raila Odinga with Uhuru managing to improve from his 2013 dismal record.
NASA could now employ a different strategy to keep Western Kenya votes intact with reports confirming that Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula could pitch tent in the region.