[Opposition leader Raila Odinga in a past campaign event. His defeat could be a blow to Kenya given his persistent attacks on government]
With preliminary results showing the reelection of President Uhuru Kenyatta, the impending defeat of opposition leader Raila Odinga could be a blow to the country’s politics.
Arguably the most celebrated politician in Africa, Odinga 72, could now hung boots after four decades in active politics.
Although he was projected by a section of pollsters as likely winner, incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta pulled a shocker, winning in traditional opposition strongholds such as Nyamira and Wajir.
Having run for presidency in a record four times, Odinga is now likely to retire from active politics and concentrate on international assignments, because he had confirmed that he would not likely be on ballot in 2022.
Sadly, should he retire from politics, he has not groomed anyone to take over from him despite being in the game for long.
Already President Uhuru Kenyatta has backed his Deputy William Ruto for 2022 elections against opposition’s host of candidates who have also shown interest.
At his Luo Nyanza backyard, none of the leaders has shown charisma to inherit his political prowess even though Homabay Women Representative Gladys Wanga is trying to fit.
Also, Mombasa governor Hassan Joho could be the perfect replacement of Odinga given his persistent criticism on Jubilee administration.
Throughout his career, Odinga has perfectly given establishment’s headache by exposing various scandals such as NYS.