Is Nasa supremo Raila Odinga grooming Jubilee Party secretary general and former critic Raphael Tuju to take over from Cornel Rasanga as the next governor of Siaya?
Rumours have it that the former Rarieda MP is eyeing the seat and his new-found rapport with Raila might make him the man to beat in 2022. His ambitions will no doubt put him at loggerheads with Siaya senator James Orengo who has himself been dreaming about the job. This could explain why Tuju accompanies Raila to public functions in Nyanza. He hopes the people of Siaya will forgive him for his past criticism against the ODM boss.
Yesterday, Opposition leader Raila Odinga hosted President Uhuru Kenyatta’s brother Muhoho Kenyatta and CS Raphael Tuju in Bondo.
The two were part of the dignitaries who attended a memorial service for Jaramogi Oginga.
The leaders who were flanked by members of the Odinga family first congregated at ACK diocese of Bondo, St Peter’s Nyamira Parish for a memorial service.
Tuju has dismissed claims that he intends to run for the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2022 elections saying that he is comfortable with his current political status.
The Jubilee Secretary General, who is also a Cabinet Secretary without portfolio, said through is position, he shall only be able to support the region (Nyanza) in terms of development, if permitted.
“I want to assure all of you here that Tuju is not intending to be the governor of Siaya. I don’t have such dreams I will support whoever the people of Siaya elect,” said Tuju.
He maintained that he shouldn’t be mistaken to be yearning for an elective position in the County if he decides to bring home some development projects.
Tuju further stated that he has no dreams of becoming the governor for Siaya County, adding that he will be ready to work with and support whoever the people of Siaya will elect in the coming elections.