Former South Mugirango Member of Parliament Omingo Magara has dismissed claims that ODM leader Raila Odinga is grooming Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the 2022 Presidency, stating that there is no way the former Premier will endorse another candidate for the top seat.
According to Magara, the political careers of most Nyanza politicians are anchored on Raila, therefore, they will not allow him to endorse anyone else, or consider retiring from politics.
“…If at all there was an endorsement agent, we would have had an announcement…However, there is no way Raila can endorse or even groom another politician for president other than himself. Only Raila.
"The politicians around him from Nyanza who see Raila as their lifeline in politics will not allow him retire from politics. If Raila isn't on the presidential ballot, about 90 per cent of the elected leaders will have a rough time getting elected,” Omingo said in an opinion piece published by a local daily.
Read More
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and a section of leaders from Nyanza region. [Photo: Courtesy]
Weighing in on reports that Matiang’i could contest the 2022 presidency, Omingo noted that since the Interior CS has not declared interest in the seat, there’s no need to have his name among those in the race.
“Matiang’i has never declared that he will run in 2022 and we have no business pushing him,” he said.
Reports of Raila grooming Matiang’i emerged last week when the two along other leaders from Gusii region met at a city hotel.
The former MP appeared to suggest that Deputy President William Ruto is the best suited for the presidency in 2022, arguing that he has good policies and the interest of the country at heart.
“Kenyans will only give power to a leader who has demonstrated that should they be given the baton on sword, they will not misuse it to force their way. That is why you see several Kenyans are supporting Deputy President William Ruto because he has demonstrated over time his commitment to the good of the nation.
“The DP has demonstrated he has the right policies to develop every corner of the country through the bottom-up economic model,” he opined.
