President William Ruto’s tour of Nyanza has revealed a shift in his political strategy. Particularly in regions traditionally loyal to opposition leader Raila Odinga. Ruto’s newfound approach comes after a surprising political alliance with Odinga, who has long been considered the kingpin of Kenya’s opposition politics.
During his visit to Kisumu and other parts of Nyanza, Ruto made a point of praising Odinga in nearly all of his roadside addresses. This move is seen by political analysts as a calculated attempt to win over Odinga’s supporters in the region.
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By aligning himself with Odinga, Ruto seems to be positioning himself as the natural heir to the political base that Odinga has cultivated over decades.
This strategy is particularly notable given Odinga’s recent announcement that he intends to step back from active politics to focus on his candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairperson.
Odinga’s potential exit from the political stage could leave a vacuum in Nyanza and other opposition strongholds, a gap that Ruto appears keen to fill.
In his speeches, Ruto acknowledged Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s political landscape, describing him as a “statesman” and a “patriot.”
These remarks have been interpreted as an effort to endear himself to Odinga’s followers and to present himself as a leader capable of unifying the country.
Ruto’s strategy appears to be yielding results, as he was met with positive receptions in areas where he previously faced hostility.
By embracing Odinga’s legacy and signaling his respect for the opposition leader, Ruto is not only broadening his political base but also reshaping the dynamics of Kenyan politics ahead of future elections.
As Ruto continues to forge this new path, the political landscape in Kenya is set for significant changes, with the potential to redefine alliances and power structures in the coming years.
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