Why Kalonzo faces uphill task to crack Luo Nyanza
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is planning a political tour of Homa Bay and Migori to expand his influence in the Luo Nyanza region. Analysts suggest he faces a difficult challenge due to the region's strong historical loyalty to Raila Odinga and the ODM party.
Why it matters
The tour tests whether Kalonzo can build a personal political base in a region traditionally dominated by his former ally, impacting the 2027 presidential race dynamics.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka during a press briefing
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka will next week take his presidential ambitions to Homa Bay and Migori counties, seeking to expand his support in a region where the late Raila Odinga built one of Kenya’s strongest political bases.
However, political analysts warn that Kalonzo faces an uphill task winning over Luo Nyanza, where the Orange Democratic Movement retains considerable influence. This is despite internal divisions and its cooperation arrangement with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance.
Kalonzo declared on Monday that he could defeat Ruto in Luo Nyanza if handed the United Opposition’s presidential candidate flag for the 2027 election.
The planned tour, initially scheduled for midweek before being postponed following consultations, will test whether his longstanding association with Raila can translate into personal support in a region that overwhelmingly backed the former ODM leader in successive presidential elections.
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