[Ruth Odinga (right) with his brother Raila Odinga. Three of the ODM leader’s kin have quit elective politics to concentrate on presidential campaigns. Photo/mpasho.co.ke]
Three of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s siblings may have bolted out of elective politics to concentrate on presidential campaigns, the writer can now reveal.
Oburu Oginga, Ruth Odinga and Rosemary Odinga had expressed interests in various seats only to drop out moments before or after ODM party primaries in April.
While Rosemary cited health problems as the reason behind her exit from Kibra race, Oburu, the elder brother of Raila lost in ODM primaries for Bondo constituency and subsequently declined a nomination to EALA.
On her part though silent, Ruth, the younger sister on the NASA leader, dropped her Kisumu governorship race and has since not been named as running mate by either Jack Ranguma or ODM governorship winner Anyang’ Nyongo.
“Raila prevailed upon them and they had to drop their bids and concentrate on presidency,” says an insider who spoke in confidence.
The presence of Odinga’s kin in active politics had caused a public outcry with his former aide Eliud Owalo accusing him of pushing them to lock out other suitable Kenyans.
“These dynasties will crumble someday. It’s either he concentrates on presidency or loses if he supports Rosemary in Kibra,” Owalo said when he contested decision by Rosemary to go for Kibra seat.
And being his last stab at presidency after three unsuccessful attempts, the former leftist politician seems to be keen to topple President Uhuru Kenyatta by urging his family to concentrate on one seat.