Just hours after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna announced a massive rally in Kakamega Town scheduled for February 21st, President William Ruto hosted a high-profile meeting with Members of Parliament from the same region.
On the surface, the official communique focused on development, affordable housing, the Kakamega Airport expansion and the completion of Bukhungu Stadium.
The backdrop to this meeting is a brewing storm within ODM. Rumors have been swirling for weeks regarding Ruto's hand in the push to oust Sifuna from his Secretary General position.
This is allegedly because of his hardline stance against a UDA-ODM broad-based coalition.
Sifuna’s response hasn't been a quiet retreat, instead, he’s taken to the streets. After a mammoth turnout in Kitengela yesterday that sent shockwaves through the political establishment, his sights are now set on Western Kenya.
By summoning Kakamega’s leadership to State House now, the President appears to be playing a classic containment game.
It’s hard to view this as a mere coincidence. While the President speaks of moving the country forward irrespective of political persuasions, the optics suggest an attempt to solidify his influence in a region Sifuna is currently trying to galvanize.
However, from our perspective key takeaway from the meeting is that President Ruto is using development projects as a primary narrative.
Also, engaging leaders who might otherwise be tempted by the "Linda Mwananchi" wave.
Whether this meeting will effectively curb the momentum of Sifuna’s Saturday rally remains to be seen.
One thing is certain that the road to 2027 is already being paved with high-stakes meetings and competing rallies.
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