Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has been playing a key role behind the scenes in kicking out Deputy President William Ruto’s key allies from senate leadership.
Details have emerged that President Uhuru Kenyatta in consultation with several people including Raila, removed Kipchumba Murkomen as Leader of Majority in the Senate and Susan Kihika as Majority Whip.
Before that, Uhuru and Raila senators ganged up to impeach former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu who is aligned to the DP’s camp.
Reports indicate that Raila was in consultation with Uhuru before Kanu and Jubilee signed a post-election coalition agreement which has now been challenged at the Political Parties Tribunal.
“Raila and the President are working closely in the spirit of the handshake,” said Jubilee vice chairman David Murathe
President Kenyatta is also planning further changes including a major Cabinet reshuffle that could see Raila’s party join the government.
The President could also remove Ruto’s allies from House committees and parastatals.
In return for his support, Raila’s team wants a major stake in the new government, according to multiple sources.
“Raila and Uhuru need each other but Uhuru now needs Raila more than Raila needs him,” former Cabinet minister Franklin Bett was quoted by a local daily.
Sources said Uhuru had requested Raila, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi to submit two names each of individuals they wanted to be named to the Cabinet.
However, Raila is said to be pushing for the consideration of parliamentary strength of each political party at the negotiating table.
In addition, the ODM leader is said to have asked for a huge stake in the control of parastatals.
He also wants ODM to take charge of a new office to be domiciled in the Office of the President that would be in charge of economic recovery.
