[NASA leader Raila Odinga in a past campaign trail. He is set to launch his campaigns on June 3 in Kakamega town. Photo/Nation]
Unlike in the previous years where presidential candidates prefer Nairobi as an ideal place to launch their campaigns, opposition team NASA has strategically avoided the capital.
In 2013, both Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta launched their campaigns within the cosmopolitan city which is regarded as the epicenter of Kenyan politics.
But a campaign itinerary released by the opposition team shows that Odinga will officially launch his campaigns in western Kenya in Kakamega County.
ODM Deputy Party leader Wycliffe Oparanya is set to host the NASA team in which all key players are expected to address a huge gathering.
Even though details remain scanty, Kakamega may not be an ideal venue given the rivalry between Senator Bonny Khalwale and Oparanya.
Recently, Khalwale warned Odinga against ‘interfering’ with local politics and sometimes last year; Odinga had to abandon a rally at Masinde Muliro grounds due to local politics.
NASA has earmarked western region as a fundamental area where it can scoop over 1.5 million votes that will be up for grabs.
Despite having a soft spot on Odinga, Mudavadi scored some significant votes in 2013 which could have dwindled Odinga’s chances.