In 2007 under the ODM party, William Ruto supported Raila’s presidential candidature. The Kalenjin then overwhelmingly voted for Odinga. History can rewrite itself and the son of Jaramogi this time will support Ruto for presidency in 2022.
First, Ruto will likely be betrayed by Mount Kenya, secondly Raila’s succession politics after the 2017 elections will play.
Mount Kenya people always stick with their own; this statement will be proved whether it is a misrepresentation or not when it is time for President Uhuru Kenyatta to reciprocate his deputy’s support.
Uhuru’s maiden election bid in 1997 was unsuccessful despite the popularity of his name in the region. He lost to a little known architect because he was perceived to be Moi’s supporter. Even Uhuru’s assurance it is likely that the Central people will vote for even a much little known candidate for president against his preferred choice.
Raila’s bid in next year’s general election is expected to be his last shot at the presidency. Succession battles are expected to set the center stage in the Luo nation after his retirement.
Whoever he blesses to take over from him will be the next luo leader. It’s unclear who will take over from Raila but with Rosemary Odinga featuring more frequently in public limelight then my guess is right she is his father’s political heir. She accompanied Raila on holiday to Tanzania’s president Magufuli home, she also accompanies the opposition leader to important events, and she was in parliament during the gender debate. It is likely she is being groomed for big things. The Luo nation accepts what Baba says is good for them, Rosemary is good for them.
To win presidency in Kenya is much about having a viable candidate with “tyranny of numbers” and with regional politics at hand. If central region produces a candidate to compete Ruto, he will have to look elsewhere for a running mate. A good shot is Nyanza, he has supported them before.
USA is likely to vote for Clinton a woman as its president, the UK is on the path to have a woman Theresa May as its prime minister, Germany is led by Angela Merkel a woman.
Rosemary Odinga will therefore be an appealing candidate for feminists and gender equality activists. Also an heir of Nyanza political leadership. Will Odinga pronounce Ruto Tosha?