NASA leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/Nation]
As he readies himself for a repeat presidential election which is slated for October 17, NASA leader Raila Odinga who will be vying for the fifth time is keen to fulfill his burning political ambitions.
However, ahead of the next month's contest between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila will first have to overcome a myriad of challenges if he is to oust Uhuru.
Raila's main challenge is to contain recent political realignments which have seen him lose key members to the opponent's side.
From former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma to former presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo to many others, Raila will have to rethink his strategy in the former Western Province, the region which Jubilee is keen to swing in their favour.
The defection of former Bomet Governor Issac Ruto to Jubilee has further complicated Raila's campaign in the Rift Valley region which is quite receptive to Jubilee.
With Ruto out, Raila will have to look for a regional point man to spearhead NASA campaigns in the area.
With former Kitui Senator David Musila leading Jubilee campaigns in the lower Eastern region, the NASA team should immediately move out to neutralize his gains.
Elsewhere in Mombasa, former Senator Hassan Omar's bitter exit from NASA has complicated the coalition's fortunes in the county that gave them over 64 per cent of the votes during the August 8 polls. As to whether he moves to Jubilee or not, Omar's decision is a blow to NASA.
Tuesday, former Meru Governor Peter Munya dumped Raila for Uhuru, the move coming just a week after joining NASA.
With all these challenges, Raila has a monumental task to steady his ship lest he is dealt another blow come October 17.