NASA leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi at a past event [Photo/ standardmedia.co.ke]
NASA leader Raila Odinga's statement that hinted that he is ready to work with Deputy President William Ruto in the next general election may prove to be yet another turning point in the country's political chessboard.Raila and Ruto have been in the same political boat before and the possibility of the duo forging an alliance in future cannot be ruled out. However, should that take place, what happens to Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi who are Raila's coalition partners in NASA?Both Kalonzo and Mudavadi shelved their presidential ambitions in 2017 to support Raila, with a hope that they will inherit the former premier's political base in 2022. Should Raila make an unexpected u-turn and throw his weight behind Ruto in the next general election, then it will become hard for both Kalonzo and Mudavadi to ascend to power.Having played second fiddle to Raila in the last two general elections, Kalonzo's best and potentially last moment to make his second stab at the presidency will be in 2022. Raila has in the past indicated that he will support the Wiper leader in 2022, something he confirmed a fortnight ago in Machakos. However, the former Lang'ata MP's statement complicates Kalonzo’s political arithmetic and leaves options open. Same to Mudavadi who is banking on his Luhya community support base to springboard his presidential ambitions.As the undisputed political kingpins in their communities, Kalonzo and Mudavadi may as well forge an alliance ahead of 2022. But again, it will depend on the country's political wind and especially Raila's next move.