Opposition party leader Raila Odinga was forced to hold a closed-door meeting with Turkana leaders and elders amove that was interpreted to counter-attack deputy president William Ruto.
Last week the DP in a company of area governor Josphat Nanok traversed the region a move that angered ODM party officials.
In a function the DP attended in Lokichar on Saturday, Mr Nanok, the former Council of Governors chairman, finally abandoned the ambiguity and let the cat out of the bag. He said he will support Mr Ruto in his quest to succeed President Kenyatta when his term ends in 2022.
The DP arrived in Turkana on Saturday to launch a number of development projects and left Monday having acquired not only the governor’s support, but also of a number of local lawmakers.
“As 14 governors from Rift Valley, we are working on a plan to fully support the Deputy President and form the next government because the whole country is focusing on Rift Valley to produce the next president. As Turkana people, we want to be part of that government. I will not accept to be outside government again,” Mr. Nanok, the ODM vice-chairman, said.
Of what use are they? Those are still the Waheshimiwa Mafisi who are stripping us day in day out.
Shame!!!
Ata Kama mtu ni wa ODM ama Jubilee na anaitisha house allowance on top of salary yako wewe ni #MheshimiwaFisi https://t.co/FwZeUetw3G— CAPTAIN AUSTIN (@Nzioka_Austins) May 17, 2019
On the Facebook post, ODM party said that Raila Amollo Odinga held discussions with a section of political leadership from Turkana County where they discussed among other things development in Northern Kenya region and the politics of the County.
“The leaders were led by Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorkai MP Loima, Hon Nixon Ngikolong Ngikor Nawi, Former MP Turkana East, Hon Joseph Samal Former MP Isiolo North and Paul Lokopir ODM Youth Leader North Rift. Hon. Junet Mohammed,” the post read.
Turkana governor Nanok wasn’t present a move that has raised more question on whether there is a fallout in the region.
Already Nanok is serving his last term in office as the governor.
The party is yet to announce disciplinary action on the governor. ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna said the party had yet to receive any complaint against Mr. Nanok.
This is a departure from the past where the party has acted harshly against members who have publicly associated with the DP.
Deputy President William Ruto has been objected by several leaders across the Country as others term them corrupt.
The worst party in the world…. is our ODM where during nominations even Etale is one of emperors.
They hawk certificates in hotels. The CEO Oduor Ongwen nominated his wife. DP Ruto will be the next president if Raila Odinga fails to reconstruct ODM nominations.
— Kenya Revolt HSC (@TheParrotKE) May 12, 2019