[ODM leader Raila Odinga in a past function in Kisii. A political analyst warns that his wars with Matiangi could affect his votes. Photo/Nation]
ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent outbursts on education Cabinet secretary could sabotage his efforts to unite Gusii voting basket, claims Gideon Mamboleo.
For the third day in a row on Thursday, Odinga claimed that Matiang’i was contravening the constitution by summoning IEBC officials in his office to dictate them how to conduct polls.
“Matiang’i should choose either to serve Kenyans or join politics. He should distinguish his roles from politics,” he said adding that the acting Interior CS was working in cohort with IEBC to rig.
But Mamboleo says Odinga should have assigned junior officials to make the claims for the sake of his Gusii votes.
“I understand it was a critical issue but equally, he should have tasked junior officials to make the claims.”
He adds: “He may not be popular but there are some people who may make political capital out of his utterances by defending Matiang’i based on his heritage.”
Tasked to campaign for Uhuru in Kisii, Matiang’i was yet again trusted by Uhuru who appointed him as acting Interior CS following the death of Joseph Nkaissery.
Gusii region has an approximated 800, 000 voter population and in 2013, it voted for Odinga overwhelmingly.