NASA leader Raila Odinga takes oath at the people’s president on Tuesday, January 30 at Uhuru Park grounds. [Photo: Raila Odinga/ facebook.com]
The swearing-in of NASA leader Raila Odinga as the people's president is expected to shape the country's political landscape ahead of the 2022 general election.The event may be seen by many as inconsequential, but in reality, it will prove to be the turning point in the run-up to the 2022 political contest.New political realignments are likely to come into existence.The decision by Raila's co-principals in NASA to skip the swearing-in ceremony gives the political scene fresh impetus. Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi's positions in NASA are under threat. The duo had hoped to inherit Raila's political base going into the next election, but will it still be the case? Already ODM MP especially those who hail from Raila's Nyanza backyard have asked him to review his relationship with the two NASA co-principals. Should it materialise, the former Premier may forge a new political path away from Kalonzo and Mudavadi.Considering both Kalonzo and Mudavadi are keen on ascending to power in 2022, will they strike a compromise and go on a joint ticket should Raila fail to endorse them? Time will tell.Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho seems to be the biggest beneficiary of Raila’s swearing-in. Joho and his Siaya counterpart Cornel Rasanga are the only NASA governors who attended the fete. Raila is most likely going to pay back by supporting Joho’s 2022 State House bid.If not, should Raila make another stab at the presidency, he is likely to pick Joho as his running mate.As to what happens in the next five years remains to be seen. However, political rotors have just roared ahead of what promises to be an interesting political game.